Weekly News Volume 26 | No. 39 | September 29 - October 5, 2012
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protest GROWS
LEADERS of the Christian community and the political arena amassed the support of their followings in a definitive stand against the provisions of the Equality Bill proposed by Governor Ric Todd - in particular the push for gay rights. PAGE 5 inside
PNP candidates defend NHIP deal
CANDIDATES from the Progressive National Party (PNP) defended the party’s involvement in the InterHealth Canada ... PAGE 4
Canadian duo request political asylum from UNHCR
THE Canadian duo, Cullen Johnson, 64, and Elaine Whyte, 69, have applied to the United Nations High Commissioner ... PAGE 4
No one thing will stop illegal immigration
Freak accident
– $2.84m coastal radar station commissioned GOVERNOR Ric Todd, on Wednesday, commissioned the $2.84m Coastal Radar Station ... PAGE
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IN a freak accident on Monday afternoon, the driver of this vehicle (inset at right) crashed into Kishco’s building on Leeward. The Weekly News understands that the driver lost control of the vehicle as she was entering the Kishco compound. No one was injured in the accident.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
September 29 - October 5, 2012
September 29 - October 5, 2012
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NEWS
September 29 - October 5, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
PNP candidates defend NHIP deal BY VANESSA NARINE
CANDIDATES from the Progressive National Party (PNP) defended the party’s involvement in the InterHealth Canada deal at the party’s Leeward rally, last Saturday. The full version of the controversial InterHealth Canada deal was leaked this week via two online news sites. The full document included 187 separate files and a mind boggling 7,665 pages. HONOUR THE AGREEMENT Former Chief Minister and AtLarge Candidate, Mr. Washington Misick, said come November 9, a PNP administration will honour
the agreement and hold InterHealth accountable for breaches. He said the problems with the National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP) are a result of mismanagement by the British. Under the contract, the National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP) was established in April 2010 and Dr. Rufus Ewing, as Medical Services Director, had the responsibility for managing primary care in TCI. Meanwhile InterHealth Canada took over the responsibility for hospital management and secondary care. According to Misick, NHIP will be completely fixed in four or five years. He said, “Everywhere you look
there is work to be done…we will work…we pledge to be a responsible government.” Misick maintained that the party’s candidates will “dust ourselves off” and start again. The result of the contract was two small two-storey hospitals – one in Provo with 20 beds and the other in Grand Turk with 10 beds that came at a high cost to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Governor Gordon Wetherell signed the contract in late 2008 following negotiations and decisions made by the then Health Minister Lillian Boyce, Finance Minister Floyd Hall and Director of Medical Services, Dr. Rufus Ewing, currently the leader of the Progressive National
Benneth William announces bid as Independent candidate POLITICAL tenderfoot, Mr. Benneth Williams, this week announced his bid as an Independent candidate for the Leeward Constituency. Williams, in a statement, said all civilians have a duty to their nation and his entry into the political arena, is him acting on his civil responsibility. “We must seize today, better tomorrow and secure the future for our forthcoming generations. We need to stand up and be counted, educate ourselves and fight for what is right. With my involvement with the democratic Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I would help to make sure this happens,” Williams said. According to him, an elected government’s role is to not only aid the nation by ensuring that the needs of its entire people are met. He said, “We need to help people, aid them and support them throughout everyday operations. Our nation needs the strength and support of its people. “I can add strength to government and by helping people within this
an affect upon many; I would do everything in my power to make sure these have positive and beneficial affects.”
We must seize today, better tomorrow and secure the future for our forthcoming generations - Benneth Williams
nation I believe I can contribute to their everyday lives. “Everyday members of the administration are there because they want to make a difference, a difference for all within our nation. “I feel confident, like all administration members, that I will make a difference, and will help everyone in our nation. I appreciate all decisions I make would have
Published by Turks & Caicos News Company Ltd. Cheshire House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales P.O. Box 52, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI W. Blythe Duncanson – Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Faizool Deo – Sports Samantha Dash-Rigby – Court Cord Garrido-Lowe – Graphics/Production Editor Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams – Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@yahoo.com, tcweeklynews@gmail.com (Talk Back) tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com
GREATER GOOD The newcomer added that politics is about making decisions for the greater good. He said, “I am in no position to say I am always right, but it is my responsibility to find out the facts before making these decisions, decisions that will be for the greater good…by serving this nation I want to assist in creating an environment where the individual, as well as the nation, can excel - a nation where its members want to rise above their expectations, with ambition and drive to carry them beyond their goals. “How do we create this – we don’t need to, it’s already there, but as the government administration we need to unlock every ones potential. “It can simply be described as the ‘hope of islanders’ and it alive and radiant in their hearts. It is our responsibility to breed that hope and allow it to develop into more than hope, into reality for all and our children. “By doing my civil duty, I want to give rise to a better future for family, community and nation…founding a nation where personal belief and self determination are protected, where hard work is rewarded not demanded and where each person is bestowed with the ability to better their life.” According to him, he is determined to utilize his enthusiasm, energy and professionalism to serve. Williams said, “Every nation needs a successful ruling body. We all want answers, results and achievement….we all need an administration who can propound them. “I am confident I can be part of this leader, part of a nation which is proud and strong and ready to seek out its goals. “I am ready to be part of this country Government administration.” (VANESSA NARINE)
Party.
POINT MAN Mr. Royal Robinson, another AtLarge candidate, was listed in the contract as the point person for contact. At Saturday’s rally, he maintained that the PNP will correct its mistakes. “It was the PNP that built it [the InterHealth Canada deal] and we will fix it,” he said. According to him, 85 per cent of healthcare costs were supposed to be funded by the government, while the other 15 per cent was borne by the people. “It was not supposed to be funded by NHIP,” Robinson posited. The At-Large candidate acknowledged that in the last years of the PNP’s administration mistakes were made. However, he said, “People who do not make mistakes are people who do nothing…there is nothing wrong with falling down.” Robinson stressed that PNP is about building institutions and lashed out at the Brits and the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) for being the same. He said the PDM leader, Mr. Oswald Skippings, was “talking nonsense” about breaking down the hospitals. Following the signing of the document, then Governor Gordon
Cullen Johnson
Wetherell permitted one-hour viewings of the document, after widespread criticism about the document being kept secret. Only few accepted the invitation to view the document, in light of the fact that one hour was not enough to sift through hundreds of pages of legal jargon. The only other attempt at exposing the document was made by the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) in August. A PRIORITY Mr. Wayne ‘Major’ Garland, also an At-Large candidate, made it clear while there are problems with NHIP, the PNP will fix it. He said, “PNP has history of building intuitions to push TCI forward…it [InterHealth Canada] will be a number one priority.” The ‘exit clause’ in the InterHealth contract is reported to have penalty cost of $125 million, exclusive of the $125 million mortgage on the hospital buildings, which has a reported 12 per cent interest rate. If the mortgage runs its full 24year course, the buildings will have cost TCI residents half a billion dollars. According to the contract, seen by the Weekly News, Misick and Stanbrook was responsible for overseeing the due diligence report in relation to the deal.
Elaine Whyte
Canadian duo request political asylum from UNHCR THE Canadian duo, Cullen Johnson, 64, and Elaine Whyte, 69, have applied to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for political asylum, the Weekly News understands. The two alleged international fraudsters were caught on Providenciales in August and charged with a number of immigration violations. They are said to be wanted in Canada and the United States of America (USA) for money fraud, as well as other possible crimes. Immigration officials in Providenciales picked up Johnson and Whyte after the USA and Canada issued international warrants for their arrests.
They first appeared in court on August 28 with their attorney, Mr. Alvin Garland. The Weekly News learnt that the two were further remanded to the Grand Turk prison for 28 days during an appearance in the Magistrate Court in Grand Turk on September 17, after they told the court that they had made the application to the UNHCR. A source told the Weekly News that the two alleged that their lives are in danger if they are extradited, hence the application for political asylum. Reports are that they had purchased a condominium at La Vista Azul in Turtle Cove, Providenciales, and had settled prior to being apprehended.
September 29 - October 5, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS
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Equality Bill protest draws major support BY VANESSA NARINE LEADERS of the Christian community and in the political arena amassed the support of their followers in a definitive stand against the provisions of the Equality Bill proposed by Governor Ric Todd - in particular the push for gay rights. Protestors gathered at Butterfield Square, Providenciales, on Monday to make clear their opposition with a march, followed by a public meeting. In addition to protecting against discrimination based on sexual orientation, the bill proposes to lower the age of consent of engaging in homosexual activity from 18-yearsold to 16-years-old. Stakeholders are calling for the Equality Bill to be restructured and not passed under and interim administration, but after debate by an elected House of Assembly that is representative of the people. IMPOSITION President of the Providenciales Ministerial Fellowship and Pastor of Sure Foundation Ministries, Reverend Conrad Howell told the Weekly News that changing the law to call the majority of the Turks and Caicos Islanders to recognise gay rights is an imposition. He said, “This is imposing on our Christian values. “I am in agreement that the bill is not only about gay rights, but such a law contradicts the stance of majority of the community. “If there was a referendum held and 50 plus per cent said this is the way we want to go then it might have been a community where the majority wants this passed, but it is not so.” He maintained that the protest is not the Christian community trying to impose on the rights of others; rather it is a protest against being asked to comply with something that is against basic teachings according to the Bible. Howell said, “This country prides itself on being a Christian nation, therefore it holds true to the concepts of scripture, particularly that of the New Testament, which condemns such activity. “Such a law is asking me to comply with what is against my belief.” He stressed the fact that the protest action has the support of churches across the TCI. Howell noted that in the way the Governor recognised the views of Christian leaders in the past, the same is expected now. “Just as the government took the voices of pastors before to say we have a majority support because we heard from pastors, we hope the same applies now….you have a majority opposing this bill,” he stressed. According to him, there is no
Stakeholders protest the Equality Bill in its current form. In the lead, from left, are religious leaders, Reverend Conrad Howell and Pastor Pedro Williams.
obvious discrimination of gay persons in the TCI community. Howell maintains that the church does not discriminate, but at the same time is not in support of the activities of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. According to him, the church recognizes and is tolerant of persons of different sexual orientations, but in the eyes of the church, a man is “to be joined together” with a woman. Under the bill, both direct discrimination and indirect discrimination are prohibited. According to the new Equality Bill, sexual orientation discrimination is described in the bill as restricting: membership of an organisation; participation in activities undertaken by an organisation or on its behalf or under its auspices; or the provision of goods, facilities or services in the course of activities undertaken by the organisation or on its behalf or under its auspices. According to the bill, any person or anyone knowingly helping another to do anything that contravenes the provisions can be prosecuted in court and fined up to $5,000. CHANGE MUST HAPPEN Pastor of Jericho Baptist church, Reverend Pedro Williams, who articulated the protesting group’s position on the Equality Bill, stressed that the Bill must be put on hold, while the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands establish a moral code through full consultation and debate. According to him, the Bill must be restructured to allow a separation of Rights from the moral code. He said, “Earlier this year, His Excellency, Governor Rick Todd, spoke to the Rights of people of various sexual orientations and the need to secure and protect these Rights through Legislation. These sexual orientations are at odds with the Scripture and the Church. “The Interim Administration has now created a single piece of legislation…which incorporates these various Rights. “While there are many good things
in this Bill, there are also portions of the Draft Bill that imposes a culture which contradicts both our Christian heritage and convictions, and will undermine the role of the Church in Society. “The Turks and Caicos Islands, pride itself as being a Christian nation, and therefore, we cannot sit idly by and allow the fabric of society to be washed away under the pretext of Rights which, might be convenient to some, but ushers in moral decay and eats away at the very heart of the family.” Williams made it clear that the Turks and Caicos Islands is and must continue to be a country where: • The development of the Family, through procreation as God intended, is the order of the day. • A man’s spouse, or a woman’s spouse, is of the opposite sex, and where this union can live in harmony and can teach their children to do the same. • The foundation of the human society is the Husband/father/ male and wife/mother/female, and the continuity of the same remains reliant on the mandate as given at creation. • Society is not forced to accept connected legislation to its detriment. • Its choices are made by itself through the democratic processes available to it. “We will not sit by and allow the inerrant Mandates of Scripture to be set aside by a convention on human rights. We will not sit and allow any God-given right to be straightjacketed by what seems to be man’s liberal/secular quest,” Williams posited. He maintained that standing firm on the Biblical statues of what relationships between men and women should be is not discrimination, but obedience. FORCE According to Williams, there seems to be an element of force in the push for gay rights. He said, “It is evident that the TCIs political status as a territory of the
United Kingdom, which is a member of the European Community, is being cited as the legal grounds on which the country is being forced to comply with the European Convention/ Treaty that allows what we oppose.” The pastor stressed that the Church accepts its role as the Moral Conscience of the Society and will continue its mission of being a beacon of light and hope in the Turks and Caicos Islands. “We reiterate, we will not allow moral decay to be championed in connected Legislation with what is fitting and proper in the Draft Equality Bill, therefore, we call on the Governor Todd and the Interim Administration to proceed no further, until our suggested recourse has been addressed,” Williams said. Deputy leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Mrs. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, was adamant that it is not the Interim Administration’s place to push such a bill forward. “The PDM is endorsing this protest fully. “It is about time the Interim Administration and Governor behave as a caretaker government and stop passing laws and behave like he (the Governor) is going to the polls come November 9. “These are beyond the milestones and he must leave these to an elected government.” The Deputy leader acknowledged that there is a gay community in the TCI. However, she maintains that this is an issue for an elected government to address. “Let an elected government deal with it…we have just accepted a constitution that has a preamble that says we are a Christian nation and at the end of the day the constitution supersedes any law. “The people of the TCI have accepted the preamble so such an issue must be left to an elected government… it is not his (the Governor) place.” As a former member of the Consultative Forum, CartwrightRobinson held the same position and maintained that no law can be
enacted, if it contradicts the morals that constitute the TCI as a Christian nation, pointing out that the weight of the constitution’s preamble is what shapes the laws of the nation. According to Dr. Rufus Ewing, leader of the Progressive National Party (PNP), his party is pro-choice. However, he agreed that the bill needed restructuring. “While we are supporting some elements of the bill there are others that go against the morals of majority of the people in the TCI. The pastors, for example, will not have the freedom of speech to speak from the bible if this law is passed because under the law they can be held liable for discrimination. “We always had a gay community. I believe in pro-choice, but the TCI does not have a history of discrimination against people who are lesbians or homosexuals. “You have to be careful when you put together a law so you do not violate anyone’s right…this bill violates the Christian community’s freedom of speech when they speak from the bible regarding homosexuality. I do not condone this kind of lifestyles, but like I said I am pro-choice.” He, like Cartwright-Robinson, maintained that any progress on such a bill should be left to an elected government, where leaders have a mandate from the people. PARTIAL READING In response to the criticism, the Governor’s spokesman, Mr. Neil Smith, told the Weekly News that there appears to be a very partial reading of the Equality Bill, overlooking the very broad scope of the Bill and the important protections it offers to everyone. “It is incorrect and misleading to suggest that the Bill seeks to promote anything,” he said. According to Smith, the Bill seeks to prevent discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, marriage, political opinion, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex (gender) and sexual orientation. He pointed out that it seeks to help support the protection human rights in the TCI. “Equality is not new to the Turks and Caicos Constitution. Nondiscrimination provisions have been in all three of its most recent versions, both in 2006 and 2010. This Bill takes this forward by providing the framework to explain and enforce this protection in law,” the Governor’s spokesman said. Smith assured that the Governor will reflect carefully on all the contributions to the public consultation and debate on the Bill before reaching any decision. Subject to consultation, it is proposed that the Equality Bill will be signed into law in early October.
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September 29 - October 5, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
A Weekly News column that puts you on the spot for your opinions on the issues of the day
VAT and the high-rise Changes in legislation to permit high-rise developments in the Turks and Caicos Islands will be the decision of a democratically elected House of Assembly and government. However, while the political parties and other stakeholders welcome this decision, which will affect the lives of Islanders, the question of VAT's implementation resurfaces. Stakeholders opposing VAT maintain that the new tax regime, like the high-rise decision, should also be left to an elected government that will have a mandate from the people. What are yourthoughts?
Clear reasoning
The reasoning is clear. There is no need for deep analysis to see why the interim administration left the big decision of a high-rise development to an elected government, while they are still pushing through with VAT. The interim administration has a job to do and while they have overstepped their objectives (the eight milestones) with things like the Equality Bill that has stirred up controversy, they are essentially taking steps to protect their interests – in particular the $260m loan. This is where VAT comes in. No one wants the new tax regime, but the Brits need to make sure they can get their money back.
Adjustable morals
The FCO and Todd have a conveniently adjustable set of morals.
They do as they please on issues that please them. We are left with the results of their lack of forward thinking and their indifference to anything but the funding of their loan guarantee.
A decision for elected government
Both should be left up to an elected government. I am so not for this high-rise. The real deal is it will not be as beneficial to the Turks and Caicos Islands as it may appear. Yes, jobs will be created, but jobs for whom? I see more garbage to dispose of, more medical bills and more overcrowding of our schools. Nothing will change and, in fact, I think this is a very bad idea.
I have heard tourist and visitors, as well as long time off-Island homeowners, voice their opinions, and it is not good. I think it really takes us further away from what these islands are about. Why do persons feel like people want this place to be like South Beach, or Vegas for that matter? I think it’s time to cap the height at seven stories since we already opened that door, and locked that offer in. Put it in writing as law and that is that. Why do people think this is needed here?
No change regardless
The elected government will approve the highrise building and they will revert to Borrowing from Businesses (BFB).
Not in the Brits’ interest
Since this would have little or no effect on paying off the $260m loan or the millions in healthcare, the Brits have left the decision on the development up to our next elected government. The position on these two issues by the British employees who are operating the interim government reflects perfectly the position of the British government. Britain has serious economic issues of its own and has historically never been willing to invest funds to develop the infrastructure of its overseas territories as France has theirs. It also reflects the poor quality of oversight of the employees/governors they have sent.
The PNP government ran up hundreds of millions in debt and committed us to a terrible healthcare expense. The last three governors allowed this to happen and now the people are being taxed to death by the interim government to pay for this lack of oversight. The Canadian developer knew all too well that we would only allow five stories to keep from spoiling the environment. Why then suggest 28 stories? They thought the British would ram this through.
How we got here
The country is broke and the British FCO is trying its best to tax us to pay all the bills left by Mike and Rufus – Mike for his lifestyle and Rufus for this draconian mess we call NHIP. NHIP is Canadian, the police are Canadian and this Canadian developer thought he could run over the country and get his 28-storey skyscraper approved without the voters saying no! The people need to ask how we got into this situation.
Become a contributor Want to become a contributor or have a suggestion for a Talk Back topic for us? What questions do you think we should be putting to the public? And what are your thoughts on it? Call our news team on 946 4664 or email tcweeklynews@gmail.com
Ministry cracking down on illegals in TCI BY VANESSA NARINE THE Ministry of Border Control and Labour is cracking down on illegals in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) with spot checks, the most recent being at the Regent Palms Resort. The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary (PS), Ms. Clara Gardiner, in an invited comment, said, “I can confirm that our immigration
officials continue to work diligently to protect the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands. “This activity includes unannounced ‘spot-checks’ at business premises across the islands to ensure that all person employed there have the legal entitlement to be here. “The Ministry has also been investing a lot of time and thought
Masked men rob G & G Shipping TWO masked men, last Friday, at approximately 4:30pm, entered G & G Shipping and robbed customers and staff of cash and mobile phones. The robbers are described to be slim built and of dark complexion and were armed with a a firearm and knife. No one was injured during this incident.
According to the police, efforts are beign made to apprehend the criminals. Authorities are appealing to anyone who was in the G & G Shipping area between 4:15pm and 4:45pm last Friday and may have seen anything suspicious to contact the police at 911 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-8477.
recently in looking at how it can conduct its business more effectively. “This includes a new Tasking and Coordinating Group within the Ministry to bring together various intelligence and evidence sources to effectively prioritise what we do and when.” Gardiner stressed the effectiveness of an inter-agency approach. She said, “In turn, this group works with personnel from the Police, Customs and Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources to ensure that we direct our resources to where it will have the greatest effect.” SPICE On the question of the Special Police Immigration Customs Enforcement (SPICE) unit being resuscitated, the PS maintained that the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) has not re-established the Unit. She said, “Although the concept behind this joint working is similar to what people may remember of SPICE, we now have a more informal and flexible network.”
Permanent Secretary Ms. Clara Gardiner
In September 2009, the operations of SPICE were suspended by the then Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force, Mr. Hubert Hughes. The suspension followed several complaints of harassment by enforcement officers. Gardiner maintained that the Ministry’s efforts to crackdown on
illegal immigrants reflect a “flexible” network. Additionally, the increasing efforts of the Ministry, have debunked notions that the recent removal of the moratorium on deportations to Haiti was more of a policy decision than a move to step up action to tackle the increasing number of illegal migrants who arrive on sloops from Haiti. In the past few months, several sloops were discovered in Five Cays, the most recent of which was in July when police intercepted one of the vessels and turned over 80 illegals immigration. However, on that occasion some 30 illegals were estimated to have escaped. The PS maintained that her Ministry is working to address the issue. “Our work in this regard will receive a further boost next week when we host the official opening ceremony for the recently reinstated coastal radar station, which will play an important role in preventing illegal immigration,” Gardiner posited.
September 29 - October 5, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
An operator explains how the system works to CEO, Mr. Patrick Boyle
NEWS
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Stakeholders at the station’s opening
No one thing will stop illegal immigration, Todd – $2.84m coastal radar station commissioned BY VANESSA NARINE GOVERNOR Ric Todd, on Wednesday, commissioned the $2.84m Coastal Radar Station among other government officials and stakeholders. But he maintained that “no one thing” will stop illegal immigration. The radar will be used to help the TCI authorities to not only better tackle illegal immigration, but also the smuggling of goods, transshipment of drugs, weapons and people trafficking. According to the Governor, in addition to the radar station, there has to be continued investment in people and technology. He also stressed the importance of partnership in addressing the challenge of border control, in particular collaboration across government agencies to comprehensively approach solutions. The TCI system has been designed for a maritime environment and provides a cost effective contribution to securing the territory’s borders, boosting the work of immigration and customs officials, the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force marine unit and maritime patrol aircraft. It uses short pulse, dual band, X-band frequencies to detect and track a variety of marine objects in all weather conditions. It employs five Turks and Caicos Islanders as site supervisor and radar operators. Located in the South Dock area on the island of Providenciales the radar site was chosen due to its proximity to the waters around West Caicos and French Cay, the busiest waterways around the islands, and because it was on government owned Crown land. EFFECTIVE TOOL Todd said, “The new radar station is an effective tool for assisting the TCI in many ways and the UK is delighted that its $340,000 contribution to the costs of establishing this facility will
be money well spent. “Its data will support a wide range of government functions, from search and rescue operations, to environment monitoring and disaster management. “It will assist in improving the TCI’s ports management and operations too. “I am certain that our regional partners will appreciate our better integration and contribution to security with the Bahamian and US authorities, for example. “With the TCI being an active contributing member of the international community in this way, I am certain that this nation’s influence can only expand.” Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Border Control and Labour, Ms. Clara Gardiner, noted that the investment in the radar station has provided enforcement officers an “invaluable tool” with which they can better execute their mandate. She said, “The radar system was first conceived to help stop illegal sloops from landing in the TCI in 2006. “At that time the government was spending over $600,000 per year to repatriate illegal persons. “We are confident that as word of our new capacity in detecting and monitoring vessels and their movements in and around our waters grows, that the system will see costs associated with such repatriations reduce significantly. “This can only be to the further benefit of the people of the TCI as the monies saved can be spent in other priority areas of the new incoming elected government.” The radar system consists of: • 40 metre (131 ft.) galvanised, lattice tower sitting on a specially designed foundation; • 5.5 metre (18 ft.) reflector antenna that sends and receives radar signals; • An equipment cabin – houses the electronics specifically designed to operate in a marine
environment. These units process radar signals and send them to the monitoring stations; • A monitoring cabin that houses the monitoring stations; and • A standby generator that automatically provides power in event that the normal electrical power fails. The radar station’s supervisor, Mr. Rodman Johnson, stated that border control has for too long been a problem. According to him, the station’s state of the art facilities ranks it as a first in the region. WELCOME ADVANCE Local political leaders have lauded the commissioning as a welcome advance in border control. According to deputy leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Mrs.Sharlene Cartwright-
Robinson, the radar station cannot be a stand-alone investment; rather it has to be accompanied by education in both the TCI and in Haiti, where majority of illegal immigrants hail, as well as enforcement. “Even with the radar station there is still the cost of repatriation. At the end of the day it has to be about educating people as well as prosecuting those directly involved. “We have to have active and deliberate engagement with the Haitian government in having them understand we are partners in this. “It has to be a comprehensive approach.” The deputy leader noted that the United Kingdom has responsibilities for border control also. Cartwright-Robinson said, “Anytime the borders are permeated they have failed in their responsibility. “It only becomes an immigration issue when it comes to our soil,
out there it is the responsibility of the British….it has to be a comprehensive approach.” Leader of the Progressive National Party (PNP), Dr. Rufus Ewing, said, “The opening is long overdue…a significant amount of money has been invested. What’s left to be done now is the station’s enhancement,” he said. Ewing also noted that maintenance is a must. At-Large candidate with the People Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Edward Smith, stated that it was a worthwhile investment. The initial radar station contract was signed in Nov 2007. However, the financial collapse of the world markets and its adverse effect on the territory’s public finances radar station saw work stop. Given the country’s improving financial position and support from the UK the system has been operational since August 6.
Causeway and health care major issues in Family Islands THE repair of the Caicos causeway and the Middle Caicos Clinic were to top issues, during the Governor Ric Todd’s public meetings on Middle and North Caicos on Monday and Tuesday of this week. Todd said, “The Communities on North and Middle sought assurances that full access will be maintained as the $2m worth of repairs are conducted during the high tourist season beginning in November. “I have asked the Government to look at further public meetings on North and Middle Caicos to better explain this to these communities. “Similarly, I am extremely frustrated at the extremely slow rate of progress towards the completion of the Middle Caicos Clinic. I believe that this is essential to the quality of life for people
living on Middle and CEO Patrick Boyle, who visited the Clinic with me, is taking away the action to investigate these unacceptable delays. “Other actions include new District Commissioner Donna Gardiner investigating the connection of utilities to the Sandy Point Community Centre.” The Governor noted too that he provided a report on the milestones to each community. “My key task in coming into office was to make sufficient progress against these essential reforms to allow the new elections to be held here in TCI. In this we have been successful,” he said. According to him, each of the public meetings saw residents expressing their appreciation for the fact that regular visits have
been maintained. He said, “I believe that this is something that any incoming administration would wish to consider. I fully intend to continue to be a regular visitor to these beautiful islands during my time here.” The Governor has now visited each of these islands four times in his first year in office. Further, he has taken a number of permanent Secretaries, the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer of the Government with him to help facilitate improved understanding of the needs of the more remote communities across the Territory. Todd is expected to be in Salt Cay, as part of his tour of the Turk and Caicos Family Islands, Thursday, October 4.
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NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
September 29 - October 5, 2012
PNP candidates stick to message as campaign momentum builds THE Progressive National Party’s (PNP) Leeward Rally, last Saturday, was a massive show of energy and a welcome change for the hundreds of supporters who turned out to cheer for candidates who ditched rhetoric for a more message driven style of campaign. The rally held at Heavin’Down Rock introduced the party’s candidate Ms. Akierra Missick for the Leeward constituency. In her bid to become the district’s representative, come November 10, Missick stressed that the voices of the people have been silent for too long and come November 9, Turks Islanders have to take their country back. Introducing herself to supporters, Missick pointed out that she, like many others, is hard working, is tired of the status quo and wants change. Outlining her plans for Leeward, the candidate pledged to placement of streetlights, use of solar energy, improved roads, recreational facilities, increased protection and continuous stakeholder engagement. Missick also proposed the establishment of a Community Council that will facilitate the voicing of concerns and challenges,
in an effort to ensure that the lives of the residents are enhanced. She made it clear that a PNP administration will make the changes needed to take the Turks and Caicos Islands forward – a commitment that drew louder cheers from supporters who were enthused by the one of party’s many catchphrases, “AK’s got your back.’ Party leader, Dr. Rufus Ewing, echoed similar sentiments, when he took the stage with song and dance and made it clear that the PNP is about making the lives of Islanders better. “The PNP means business,” he stressed. Ewing questioned supporters on the quality of life compared to 2009 and stressed that better quality of life was because of a PNP administration. He pointed out that under the PNP, Islanders were business owners, they had jobs, students got scholarships, families owned their homes and the country’s infrastructure was good. “It was a PNP government that gave this to you….we will do it again,” he said. INSTITUTION BUILDING The party leader added that the PNP is about building institutions that
PNP’s candidates
look after the nation’s people. Ewing pointed to the some of these institutions, which include primary schools, the Clement Howell High School, the Community College, TC Invest, the National Stadium, the Sports Complex and the National Insurance Board (NIB). The rally, as campaign rallies are, was not without a few low blows and in pointing to the successes of a PNP administration, Ewing asked, “Did the PDM (People’s Democratic Movement) do anything?” In answer, the PNP leader said the PDM brought the British to the TCI’s shores. On that note, he said, “TC Invest…investment…TCI Bank…
Big reductions in duty for VAT implementation THE new post Value Added Tax (VAT) levels of import duty, effective April 1, 2013, were made public on Monday, by the Turks and Caicos Islands Customs Department. Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Hugh McGarel-Groves, said, “The government is pleased to announce the levels of reduction in import duties is in line with previous indications, generally at least ten per cent across the board, with larger reductions, at 15 per cent on several key items such as vehicles, beer and some 'green' items. “Clearly, these significant reductions, many in excess of the 11 per cent rate of VAT, provide the evidence that prices need not rise after VAT is implemented from April, 1 2013. “Given the new import duty rates provided by the Collector of Customs, it's clearly scaremongering to continue to suggest so. “In addition to falling levels of duty, VAT registered businesses will benefit as they offset the VAT that they pay out against that which they collect. “As promised, we will also soon publish the detailed VAT regulations which will further make clear that VAT is a replacement tax designed to improve the government’s cash flow allowing it to better make investments in the priorities of the people of TCI – education, health and infrastructure. “This is a key component in the significantly improved financial
management of the TCI under the interim administration from which the newly elected government can only benefit.” The Customs Tariff (General) Order 2010 is expected to be amended as appropriate. MISLEADING In response to the announcement of the reduction in import duties, the Turks and Caicos Independent Business Council (TCIBC) contended that the figures are misleading. According to the council, their analysis shows that prices and cost of living will increase. In a statement, the TCIBC said, “In its continued effort to introduce a Value Added Tax (VAT) into Turks and Caicos, the Turks and Caicos Interim Government (TCIG) is claiming that ‘significant reductions [in import duty], many in excess of the 11 per cent rate of VAT, provide the evidence that prices need not rise after VAT. “However, careful and considered analysis of the figures provided in the VAT Ordinance and subsequent statements clearly indicates that price increases of four to six per cent are likely in Turks and Caicos as a result of the introduction of VAT. “We urge members of the business community, political leaders, and citizens to study the figures and make up their own minds.” According to the council, it has continually asked TCIG for accurate
information and supporting evidence that VAT is the best route forward for revenue collection in TCI. The statement said, “In response we have been given misinformation, misleading figures and a lack of any supporting financial modelling to support the TCIG claims that VAT will work. “The TCIBC is deeply concerned about the expected negative effects of the hasty introduction of VAT into the island’s tax structure. “As business professionals, we do not have a problem with taxation and recognise the need to fund government. “However, we do have a major problem with this particular type of tax which is inappropriate for our island and its unique economy at this specific point in its young development. “We believe that the recent gains in economic sustainability will be lost with the imposition of this boiler plate, cookie cutter tax system.” NOT GRASSROOTS Chair of the TCIBC, Mr. Clive Stanbrook, made it clear that VAT is not driven by a grassroots initiative. He said, “It is a politically driven tax imposed upon us by distant bureaucrats based in Europe without effective due process and regard to our specific economy and its future development. One size does not fit all. “We repeat our message to the TCIG, FCO and the British
civil servants…gone.” Ewing maintained that the PNP is about building up, while the Brits are known for breaking down and the PDM for doing nothing. “The PNP executes plans…that is why we are called Progressive,” he said. According to him, his party’s focus is empowerment and provision of opportunities for Islanders. “We will come through for you,” Ewing posited. Deputy leader of the party, Mr. Carlos Simons, maintained that “on paper” the PNP has better candidates
to deliver. The other three At-Large candidates, Mr. Washington Misick, Mr. Royal Robinson and Mr. Wayne Garland also delivered remarks at the rally, championing ideas that included a better tax regime, improved economy, more education opportunities, youth development, a housing project and tapping into new markets like China, among others. The Leeward PNP Rally followed two public meetings days, one in The Bight with Porsha Stubbs-Smith and one in Kew, North Caicos, with DonHue Gardiner.
19-year-old charged for accident that killed Haitian national POLICE arrested Xavier King, 19, and charged him for Causing Death by Dangerous Driving in relation to a fatal accident that killed Paul Joseph, 28, on September 15. Joseph, 28, was killed on Saturday in a smash-up in the vicinity of Suzie’s Turn on the Leeward Highway. Joseph suffered fatal injuries when the vehicle in which he was a passenger collided with another vehicle. Both drivers and the passengers of the second vehicle suffered non life threatening injuries.
King appeared in Magistrate Court on Tuesday, September 19, where he was granted $5,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in the Supreme Court Grand Turk on Friday, 2 November 2012. According to a statement from the police, “Xavier King was driving a Black Honda car in an eastern direction along the Leeward Highway when he collided with another vehicle travelling south out of Suzie Turn roundabout.” The police added that the evidence collected during the investigation has led to the laying of the noted charges.
Plot afoot to make Islanders landless consumers, Washington Misick FORMER Chief Minister and At-Large Candidate for the Progressive National Party (PNP), Mr. Washington Misick, contends that there is a plot afoot to make Islanders landless consumers. His remarks were made at the party’s Leeward rally, last Saturday. Misick maintained that this is not something that will happen under a PNP administration. He pointed out that the PNP accomplished much in their term as government. According to him, the last three years under an Interim Administration, has seen the
British taking advantage of the people. “They refuse to take us seriously,” he said. The former Chief Minister stressed that time is long over due for a paradigm shift. He said, “Progress will find a way to rise…the PNP will fix it.” According to him, the issues at hand need urgent attention and at the top of that list are the economy, jobs, housing, and education. “The challenges we face are many, they are real and they are serious…the PNP will fix it,” Misick posited. (VANESSA NARINE)
September 29 - October 5, 2012
NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
FacetoFace
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PROFILE: People Progressive Party (PPP), Mr. Harold Charles: Born in povertystricken Haiti into a family of 13, Harold was always excited about airplanes. When he first expressed his dream of becoming a pilot at the age of nine, everybody laughed at him – for a poor Haitian boy, his dream was simply unrealistic. Less than a decade later, Harold left Haiti for the Turks and Caicos Islands nearby and with nothing, found work as an aeroplane cleaner. With determination and hard work, he not only fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a commercial pilot, he ended up buying and owning the airline he worked for, Provo Flying Service, in l983, which he renamed Charles Air. In 1992, Harold sold Charles Air and two years later, he founded SkyKing. As the dynamic CEO of SkyKing, Harold Charles led the company to become the leading carrier in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the most efficient commuter airline in the Caribbean. He was also responsible for establishing Caribbean Fuel Services, which provided aviation fuel for commercial airlines in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and provided full line maintenance for the major carriers for both piston and turbo, prop crafts. More companies followed including Professional Flight Services that provided commercial jet ground handling services for major airlines like Delta, British Airways, Air Canada, WestJet, Continental, US Airways and others. He founded SkyBaseFBO, which handled corporate and private executive jets. Harold did not stop with just
aviation. He became part owner and VP of the Turks and Caicos Sporting Club on Ambergris Caya private island in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as senior vice president of the Ritz Carlton Hotel and Housing Development Project in West Caicos. Countless rewards, honours and recognition have followed including having an airport named after him – the Harold Charles International Airport. From his long-time home in the Turks and Caicos Islands, he manages his philanthropy with a mission to restore dignity and prosperity to Haiti. CHARLES ON ISSUES: 1. What are top priorities for the people of TCI?
Charles: Job creating and improving the economy is priority. After that, it is looking after the education system. 2. What are your views of the interim administration governance to date?
Charles: The interim administration took a while to understand the dynamics of the Turks and Caicos Islands. They did not understand the culture and how things are done here, in the beginning. They were a bit slow, but I am pleased with what they have achieved so far. It could have been better, but I am pleased. 3. What are your views on development and diversifying the economy?
Charles: I was not too pleased with the cutting of the tourism budget. Tourism needs more investment because it is essentially our main economic earner. We can diversify tourism by expanding to new areas like sport tourism. We can also promote the Turks and Caicos Islands in new markets, like in South America. Also the Chinese are spending some $80m this year, what are we doing to attract new markets? 4. What are your views on independence?
Charles: When our people cannot pay their mortgages, they cannot feed themselves and they cannot pay tuition fees, we cannot look at independence just yet. We need more infrastructure and need to make changes to the current situation. Independence right now is not a priority of the PPP, but for any country independence is a goal. However, we cannot afford to be distracted right now by
with VANESSA NARINE
A series that seeks to act as a medium for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands to engage prominent personalities on current issues, including politics, development and the environment, among others affecting the nation.
people.
Mr. Harold Charles
ISTORY counts and every season has a purpose; that said the 2012 elections in the Turks and Caicos Islands have seen the establishment a third party. Historically third parties have never succeeded in amassing major support. However, leader of the People Progressive Party (PPP), Mr. Harold Charles, is confident that this trend will change. This week we introduce him and his views on issues addressed by leaders of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) and the Progressive National Party (PNP) in the last two weeks. All interviews with the leaders of the three political parties were done prior to the start of this series to ensure that the answers provided were not influenced in one way or another and that the people can assess the positions of their leaders fairly.
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8. Describe your party’s legacy. Charles: Our party is a young party. The PPP has visionaries behind it. We will show them that a third party can make a difference. It has nothing to do with the past and what third parties were able to do or not do in the past.
independence, when we have other pressing issues to address. 5. What are your views on integration – given the population make up of TCI?
Charles: Integration is essential to the survival of the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is something I fully support. 6. What is a controversial issue for you going forward?
Charles: I am a Turks and
Caicos Islander and if anyone has a problem with my place of birth then they have to take that up with God. I am a Turks and Caicos Islander who has been living here for the last 39 years. 7. What drives your ambition and your ideology?
Charles: When you see all the youth out of school and have ambitions, but cannot find a job, that is what drives me and the PPP. We have to look after the future of young
9. Politicians are public servants. Respond to this. Charles: The good thing for me is that the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands know Harold Charles. I have been serving them for many years. They know what my team and I decide to do is for all of us. If I was in this for me, I could have stayed in the private sector and made a lot more money.
Next week Face to Face will feature the three deputy leaders of the political parties. If you have questions you want answered, send them to vanessanarine@gmail.com
Stewart Howard New Head of British Caribbean Bank
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 29 August 2012 – Stewart Howard has been appointed Managing Director of British Caribbean Bank (BCB) Limited, effective from 17th September 2012, with the approval of the Turks and Caicos Financial Services Commission. Mr. Howard previously worked as the Bank’s Risk Manager. Mr. Howard has over 15 years of banking experience, primarily at Republic Bank Limited. He has worked in various fields, including Corporate Banking, Trade Finance, Risk Management, Forex, Operations, Commercial & Retail Lending and Card Services. He has worked throughout the Caribbean region, including Trinidad, Barbados, Cuba, Belize, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. He is a graduate of the Institute of Banking and Finance, Trinidad, in addition to reading for Management and Finance at the University of West Indies, where he earned 1st Class Honours. BCB is one of the largest financial institutions in TCI where it provides lending and deposit facilities together with a range of other banking services to domestic and international customers. Its assets comprise principally loans with a high concentration in asset backed lending to the tourism and property development sectors. BCB has one of the strongest balance sheets among the banks operating in TCI. BCB is a division of Waterloo Investment Holdings Limited (WIHL), a BVI business company. 7234
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
September 29 - October 5, 2012
We welcome letters from all members of the public on a variety of topics Please note that all submissions are subject to editing in keeping with defamation laws and newspaper style. Letters should be accompanied by the author’s full name, location and phone number. Names will be withheld if requested.
Rights only for gays Dear Editor, The Governor released a draft bill that seeks equal rights for homosexuals that is causing a stir among the people of the Turks and Caicos. I attended a rally put on by the church community Downtown Providenciales yesterday which spoke of righteousness, holiness and being a beacon of light that God expects if we are indeed followers of Christ. When Christianity was introduced to us many hundreds of years ago it was done because the Queen said we were uncivilised as non-Christians and we were taught to follow the teachings of Christ going forward. After all, God’s law is above all others. It is interesting that the same authority now wants the people of this country to turn their backs on their Christian faith and take the world view with the advent of this new legislation. The covenant of marriage as God demands it is under attack. I will join the pastors and allow
them to hold us the religious side of this battle. However, I would like to point out the fact that the constitution a l r e a d y provided for rights for homosexuals and all the people of this country when it stated that all men are equal and enjoy equal rights. Having realised this I personally fail to understand why the Governor sought to single out homosexual rights in a separate bill. Homosexuals are not discriminated against in this country and enjoy the same privileges as all men do in the privacy of their homes. Thus, why the need for the new legislation? I also fail to understand why the Governor separated boys from girls allowing different ages of consent to sex now seeking to make it 16 for boys and 18 for girls. Is he suggesting that a 16 year
old boy is able to cope with the responsibilities that come with sexual activity or that girls are not? I personally feel that the age of consent should be at 18 years when young people are eligible to vote and are considered adults. It is interesting that when all our rights are being trampled on and violated across the board such as our want for equal pay legislation, no taxation without representation, people being turned away for inability to pay at our hospitals, unemployment is rampant, basic necessities such as access to shelter, food, water and electricity are now a privilege. The wishes of the people of this country are being ignored and many of our children are suffering. Where does the Governor stand on the rights of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands? Or are there only rights for homosexuals in his eyes? EuwonkaSelver, Providenciales
Jobs - priority number one Dear Editor, In my daily conversations during door-to-door visits with the residents of Five Cays and with fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders in general, it is sometimes unbearable to hear the numerous stories of unemployment, unfair pay practices, and fraudulent job advertisements in the newspapers that have left our people hurting and hopeless. Our people have been suffering in silence for much too long now. We must get our people back to work. General elections are not far away and I must implore all political parties and politicians that jobs must be priority number one. I know that jobs are priority number within the People’s Democratic Movement’s Blue Print (our manifesto). While we all know that the global recession has taken its toll on us as well, I am still of the belief that our economy should not have suffered as much as it has. I believe that we find ourselves on the door of hopelessness and despair as a result of two factors: (a) the financial mismanagement
of the last PNP administration and; (b)the direct rule of a robot like interim administration who in their systematic approach to fixing the problems of the last administration have totally forgotten one of the most fundamental duties of any government which is to make decisions that would better the lives of its citizens. Decisions are being made with no apparent care or concern of how these decisions will impact the quality of our family life, or the increased financial strains on the private sector which outside of government is our job provider. As the representative for Five Cays and a member of the next PDM government I am committed to our platform priorities. Therefore, jumpstarting our economy and getting our people back to work starts on day one. Empowering our people through real opportunities to own and
SPACE IS LIMITED!
develop their businesses starts on day one. Making sure that our youth returning home from colleges and universities are able to find lucrative, long-lasting employment starts on day one. And our youth who are interested in pursuing technical fields can be properly trained at one of our new technical skills training facilities right here at home. It is time we get back to basics. We must quickly begin to identify new markets and industries to aid in the creation of new jobs while protecting the jobs that already exist. Your next PDM government will work hand and hand with the private sector to ensure that government decisions are aimed at helping their businesses grow, which in turn will provide more job opportunities for our citizens. We will get this country moving in the right direction and we will get you back to work. Vote PDM! Sean R Astwood Airport Road, Providenciales
The vote of the youth Dear Editor, This election in November is about the youths of the Turks and Caicos Islands and their vote. They must consider the following before casting their vote: The person they are voting for should possess, first of all, leadership quality which comes from his/ her values and beliefs. These values are essential to their attitude about worth. Youths mustthink about what they consider important, worth or value? Beliefs are assumptions that we carry, perhaps understanding is our convictions. However, belief and values are essential to his/her attitude about worth. Beliefs are also important because we compare every new experience against an existing conviction, and evaluate it. Leadership is also about one’s ethics and character. I think ethics are situational. Youths must look for someone who behaves consistently in the same situations. The Turks and Caicos Islands needs people with knowledge and skills, certainly we need for our leaders to have knowledge and skills. Our leaders should also possess a
sense of authority. Leaders with integrity ignore selfinterest and personal gain and reach out to its people, those they lead. Leaders should be a man or woman who practices good stewardship. He/ she works to guard the resources of these islands and cays. A leader who will spend our funds wisely. Using volunteers fairly and properly utilised and develop followers. Leaders should never forget the youth, the constituent. Youths must make their decision wisely, their future and their children’s future depends on it. Participation involves being active in decision-making process and issues that affects you. Remember anyone can make invaluable contributions to our communities and empowered others to participate. Our society will be enriched and better when all its people can participate in decisions that affect their lives. It is important, that youths take on valued roles, addressing issues that are relevant to them and others like them and influence real outcome. Yours, Benneth Williams, Providenciales
Leaders must take the youth seriously Dear Editor, Leaders need to include the youth in decision making about issues that affect their lives or simply put, interest them. It is a vital ingredient in the creation a vibrant, strong and caring youth community here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, which it needs desperately. It is essential that our young people should have an effective voice in our social, cultural, economic and political lives. It is also essential that leaders value the youth’s contributions and is committed to listening to their views. Leaders should be eager to foster and celebrate their cultural diversity and provide genuine opportunities for a broad range of young people’s involvement in decision-making processes. Leaders should acknowledge that the young people’s contribution
benefits the community of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Participation in this election and the country’s business will increase their knowledge and skills, more socially and a rewarding sense of community connection. The young people of the Turks and Caicos Islands offer valuable and diverse perspectives and opinions. Leaders should include their input to ensure that their decision about services, programmes and events are responsive and appropriate to their needs. And, for those leaders of the Turks and Caicos Islands who work toward increasing the youth participation here, the rewards are opportunities to share their knowledge and witness our young people develop confidence and experience growth. Yours truly, Benneth Williams
Please keep your letters to a maximum of 450 words or we may not be able publish it.
September 29 - October 5, 2012
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Gradually then suddenly COMMENTARY
In the Hemingway novel ‘The Sun Also Rises’, the question of how you go bankrupt was answered, ‘Gradually then Suddenly’. Oh, how that rings true in the TCI! It began in late 2003 when government changed and PNP came to power after eight long years with PDM in charge. Under PDM slowly, but surely things were accomplished – ultra careful financial management; the Leeward Highway was built and a grant to build a North-Middle causeway and port was arranged; reserves was built, which we heard were estimated at $30m plus. The new PNP government claimed they were not there. How then did they make three large loans? Regulations require government have reserved 20
By David Tapfer per cent of the loan(s) amount. The British auditor discovered after the third loan that the necessary reserves had disappeared. The big lie put aside this finding. Governor Posten, in a haze, ignored this early warning. Then came the cruise port deal. They gave the port away and sacrificed tens of millions in port arrival fees for 10 long years to get an upfront payment of $6m. Those
Sold out
Dear Editor, It was a remarkable debate in June and July of 2006 when the PDM opposition composed of the Hon Derek Taylor, Hon Oswald Skippings, the Hon Clarence Selver, Hon Delroy Williams, the Hon Dwayne Taylor and the Hon Floyd Seymour forced the PNP government to consider an amendment to the 2006 constitutional draft. They demanded that the right to marry provisions in the constitution include a reference to “marriage being a union between a man and a woman”. However, the PNP government of Mike Misick, Floyd Hall, McAllister Hanchell etc were bitterly opposed to this amendment. As a result one would have an absolute right to marry and it did not matter what the sex was, whether it was two males or two females marrying each other. This vote by the PNP government was an insult to Christian values. The church in the Turks and Caicos Islands must now take a stand and oppose this new measure being forced on the people again by the Governor. The interesting thing was that in July 2006 this was one of the few times the British government agreed to allow the elected Legislative Council the privilege of voting on and amending the draft constitution. We in the TCI ended up with the threat of gay marriage and the title of Premier in the 2006 Constitution that the then PNP in league with the
couple of jet planes. No new schools and the toxic dump grown bigger! Ten million in tourist promotion dollars was spent by the PNP leader in Hollywood as arrivals went down. Governor Tauwhare had arrived at Waterloo then moved to Provo. He enjoyed his milk toast while looking out over the Beautiful by Nature landscape. In March 2008, Tauwhare said “no problem” but three months later he called the Inquiry as he waved goodbye. In August 2009, Direct Rule stopped the spending and $45m in old bills were found hiding in drawers, making a reported total of $350m in hard debt. In early 2010, TCI Bank went bankrupt as certain big depositors were tipped off to withdraw their dough. TC Invest is also left with
$3m in uncollectable loans. Early 2010 saw the people start to pay-down the expensive hospitals and Canadian Healthcare bills cooked up as NHIP years before. As taxpayers, we paid $170m these first 2 years. Taxpayers are now committed to pay at least $2 billion (not millions), in the next 22 years not including company’s, prescriptions and necessary private care. Britain's Caroline Gardiner never did find all the bills and suddenly we are totally bankrupt! This reality has been hidden for years and the $260m new loan has covered up a terrible TCI-British embarrassment. Now Doctor NHIP, The TCI Bank boss, Mr. Toxic Dump, the Salt Cay lawyer, and the Junior Tourist Minister want the checkbook back!
Open letter to William Hague
British government voted on. It would seem that they were working with the British government from then to sell the rights, heritage, birthright and culture of these islands out. It meant too that they were only playing lip service to Christian values and really did not mean the rhetoric they were spewing. It could also have signalled that like independence, the PNP government made a secret deal with the British government to get the title of Premier and other useless issues in the constitution that really did not mean a thing. The Governor’s actions with the gay rights law signals again the British agenda for the islands. It is also based on the idea the PNP government gave them in 2006 that the TCI are for gay rights because this is what the PNP government voted for overwhelmingly in 2006. You see, once you give an inch they take a mile. Now today this issue is coming back and the country of the TCI is challenged to join the church, the PDM, leaders like Pastor Bradley Handfield to oppose this evil measure by the Governor and to fight this proposal. It can only mean destruction for these islands, a further breakdown in our values and the beginning of the end for this country. Yours,
SPACE IS LIMITED!
new Cadillac Escalades looked good! Do you remember the Ermine White one with the neon “Premier: license plate and chauffeur? The “Sun” was also rising. Its principles were visitor-consultants at the Mansion. By late 2005 early 2006 rumors of delayed government payrolls emerged. In 2006, a new constitution released some controls from the motherland. However, where was the causeway and where was the port? Someone called an election and suddenly a causeway built of dirt and plastic cloth was underway, four years late. The port built on private land and in the wrong place. NorthMiddle road paving was charged on a “pay you later” deal. We are now paying later. We got a new stadium, Carifta games, Rihanna on a lap and a
Samsune Taylor, Providenciales
Rt. Hon William Hague, First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, We write to you on behalf of the Turks and Caicos Independent Business Council (TCIBC), an organisation that represents the interests of virtually the entire spectrum of our business community. We have the declared support of all the political parties, who are united in their emphatic opposition to the way VAT has been handled by the interim administration. As a business group, we applaud TCIG’s many achievements over the last few months in moving TCI towards a balanced and fiscally responsible budget with a growing surplus. The current misconceived plans to introduce VAT into a small, single income (tourism) economy are a disaster in the making; one that could come back to haunt the FCO and DFID in years to come. Despite documented, widespread opposition from soon-to-be elected political leaders, all sectors of the business community and thousands of citizens, TCIG still refuses to provide any real, hard evidence or analysis showing how VAT will work in the TCI. We fully agree that VAT can work in a country that already has the necessary requirements for its administration and a broad-based economy that would benefit from lower import duties. However, the TCI is not that country. Many emails, reports and messages have been sent to TCIG
warning them of the unique problems faced with doing business in Turks and Caicos –with no response or acknowledgment. TCIG chooses to disregard our advice and provides no evidence that VAT is the right choice for our islands. Many commentators on VAT and development, including the IMF, now seem to agree that the economic value of VAT as opposed to a tariff based taxation structure is negligible in a country where little value is being added in the economy. TCIG has clearly shown time and again that it cares little for the thoughts or concerns of the local population or political parties when it comes to the matter of VAT. Nothing TCIG officers have done during the VAT process can remotely be described as good governance. Significant changes in taxation policy are the remit of elected
representatives who must then live by those decisions and who are answerable to voters and members of their community. These are the sort of decisions that should be made by an elected Government. TCIG has already deferred significant amendments of the Planning Regulations to the soon to be elected government. Surely a matter so central to the future wellbeing of the country is also a matter that should be deferred. VAT is the responsibility of those who govern and answer to the people. There should be no change in taxation without representation. VAT in TCI must be a matter for an elected Turks and Caicos government. Yours Sincerely, Executive Committee TCIBC, Providenciales
We welcome letters from all members of the public on a variety of topics Please note that all submissions are subject to editing in keeping with defamation laws and newspaper style. Letters should be accompanied by the author’s full name, location and phone number. Names will be withheld if requested.
Send letters to tcweeklynews@gmail.com
Please keep your letters to a maximum of 450 words or we may not be able publish it.
12 NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
September 29 - October 5, 2012
Skippings responds to criticism over protest call BY VANESSA NARINE THE call for islanders to “block those bloody gates” by leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Mr. Oswald Skippings, at a party rally on September 6 has drawn criticism in the last week. At the rally, the PDM leader referenced the number of “strangers” employed in the TCI and made the call for a protest following the appointment of Guyanese national, Mr. Gerald Persaud, as principal of the Clement Howell High School (CHHS). This week, Skippings responded to the criticisms by stressing that his statements were being misconstrued and misrepresented. Skippings said, “I think it is so unfortunate when attempts are made to misconstrue or misrepresent what is said in honesty….it is my firm position to defend the legitimate rights of every Turks and Caicos Islander to be gainfully employed where they are qualified, as that is what any responsible elected representative should do. “However, at the same time I will respect any expatriate that is legitimately employed. “The principal in question did not employ himself, and therefore any objection is not made toward him personally but toward the act of bypassing suitably qualified employees. “This statement was said in the context of the current interim administration where the citizens of these islands have no representation, where their goals and aspirations are being aborted by insensitive policies and practices andtheir legitimate right to suitable jobs totally ignored. “I am not and will never be insensitive
and deaf to the loud and distressful cries of my people which demand an urgent and tangible response. “That is what that statement is all about.” ANTI-EXPAT POSITION The PDM leader has been criticised in the past for his anti-expat disposition. However, Skippings maintains that his statement at the party’s rally was not intended to spew “anti-expatriate venom”, nor was it intended to advocate or incite any form of violence. He said, “It is the right of any people to peacefully and lawfully protest in these islands and that right should not be questioned nor should any attempt be made to take it away. “We must not allow anyone to distract us from the serious challenge of taking our country back and ensuring that the rights of Turks and Caicos Islanders, as well as those who reside here are protected. “And that our country once more moves ahead as a prosperous and peaceful country, where all of us can live and work and build a strong nation together for the benefit of all of us.” In a recent interview with the Weekly News, when asked about the past criticism on his anti-expat position, the PDM leader explained that the social setting in the TCI was different in the past. He said, “I came into politics at a time when there was racial divides, when we could not go on our beaches, when there were some places in Providenciales where blacks could not go,” he said. Skippings stressed that, in this day and age, he has “morphed” and grown and recognised that
community, we will need people from labourers to executives.”
I think it is so unfortunate when attempts are made to misconstrue or misrepresent what is said in honesty Oswald Skippings
Turks and Caicos Islands has been able to grow at the rate that it did because of contributions of the expat community. He said, “The level of development that we will need to get this country back to where it was, in terms of prosperity, we will need the expat
IRRESPONSIBLE Some of Skippings’ fellow politicians have deemed his comments irresponsible for a leader looking to be Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands. At Tuesday’s Youth Round Table, one of the Youth Week activities held at the Felix Morely Community Centre, a CHHS student questioned politicians on their view of what she termed “inappropriate comments.” Deputy leader of the People Progressive Party (PPP), Mr.Zhavago Jolly, said, “As leaders we have to be careful with what we say and how we say it.” Jolly stressed that solutions can be offered in a better way and representation of the people made in a civil manner. Leader of the Progressive National Party, Dr. Rufus Ewing,
declined to comment on whether or not Skippings statements were irresponsible or not. He said, “I do not think he was inciting violence.” Ewing added that, as head of the Civil Service Association (CSA), he has also championed rights of locals to secure employment opportunities where they are qualified, instead of having expats filling the posts. He pointed, that in his view, there are three deputy principals at CHHS and they could have been made acting Principals and given an opportunity to perform. PDM’s deputy leader, Mrs. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, defended her leader’s position. She said, “If there are Turks Islanders than can do the job then they will get the job,” she posited. Cartwright-Robinson maintained that the party believes that such vacancies should be filled by a local, considering that there are qualified locals for the job.
UK tour operators on familiarization trip here THE Turks and Caicos Islands’ (TCI) Tourist Board, along with several of its hotel associates, this week hosted a familiarization trip for senior reservation staffers of luxury tour operators in the United Kingdom (UK). The trip, which ends on Sunday, saw the group engaging in a variety of activities to acquaint themselves with the islands and the pleasures it has to offer.
On the agenda to woo the visitors were site inspections and events at The Gansevoort, Amanyara, Beaches and The Somerset, as well as a historical tour of Providenciales, a snorkel cruise, shopping, spa treatments, island lunches and beach dinners. The trip was aimed at assisting the travel agents gain insider knowledge about the high standard of services and esteemed products, which they market in the UK. Public Relations Executive with TCI Tourism, Mr. David Fenimore, in a statement, noted that the Tourist Board believes that the comments and reviews made by the agents visiting for the first time revealed positive reactions. According to the statement, the reviews ranked TCI among the best and could assist in increasing the country’s market share as a desirable destination. Fennimore’s statement added
that the enormous sales scope that exists within the visiting group could influence increased sales activity and additional and more frequent airlift to the TCI. Director of Tourism Ralph Higgs, happy about the visit from these significant travel partners, said, “We will endeavor to showcase to them all the best that TCI has to offer so that they may return to their offices ready and eager to sell our beautiful destination”. Earlier in September, the Tourist Board conducted a sales blitz in selected cities across the northeast coast of the United States and directed a promotional drive to online travel providers including Travelocity. Similar marketing events are planned for later this year in Canada, Brazil, London and Italy – all to exhibit and keep the TCI visible as an esteemed destination, in major and emerging markets. (KH)
Chef found dead in apartment GEORGE Bynoe, 57, was found dead in his apartment in the Leeward Palms area, last Friday, after his landlord called police to report a smell emating from the apartment. The 57-year-old Barbadian national worked as a chef at various restaurants on the island. Up to press time, police were unable to comment on the cause of death, except to say that they are awaiting the results of an autopsy. The matter is currenly under investigation.
57-year-old George Bynoe
September 29 - October 5, 2012
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
The panel of politicians fielding questions from TCI’s youth
A cross section of the students gathered, standing is Director of the Youth Department, Ms. Angela Musgrove
Students take politicians to task on current issues By Vanessa Narine
STUDENTS from schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands took political leaders to task on several current issues, ranging from the age of consent for sexual activity to independence. Tuesday’s Youth Round Table was held at the Felix Morley Community Centre, in Five Cays. Fielding the tough questions were leader and deputy leader of the Progressive National Party (PNP), Dr. Rufus Ewing and Mr. Carlos Simons; the People’s Democratic Movement’s (PDM) deputy leader and Five Cays representative, Mrs. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson and Mr. Sean Astwood; and deputy leader of the People Progressive Party (PPP), Mr.Zhavago Jolly and candidate, Dr. Edward Smith. Ewing, Cartwright-Robinson and Jolly presented their platforms as it relates to youth, before giving the floor over to the youths. POINTED QUESTIONS A student from Clement Howell High School (CHHS) made no bones about getting down to serious issues, when she questioned leaders about the reasonability of the recent move to have the age of consent to homosexual sexual activity lowered to 16. She underscored the impracticality, particularly when “young people are not considered responsible enough” to drive, vote and get married until later. Her question, a clear reflection of the intellect and maturity, many of TCI’s youth possess, drew cheers from her peers, as well as the politicians. Cartwright-Robinson adamantly rejected this move by interim administration with the controversial Equality Bill, which is expected to be passed in early October. She explained the constitution has a preamble that says we are a Christian nation and at the end of the day, the constitution supersedes any law. According to Ewing, while he is pro-choice, his party also opposes the bill in its current form since the provisions impose on Christian leaders rights to speak from the bible regarding homosexuality. Simons said, “The party believes in giving the people what they want and they do not want this bill…. the extent to which the interim administration has taken to enact laws that the people do not want is
the limit. “We [a PNP administration] will strike through those provisions that offend our way of life and enact those that are consistent with our morals and values.” Jolly added that any kind of law that goes against the will of the people is “ridiculous” since no government can go forward with laws without the consent of the people.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (CYA), Dekkel Simmons, pointedly stressed the need for fairness in awarding scholarships, more particularly based on merit, rather than the “who you know” or “who you are related to” system. Ewing said the economy is the first priority for his party and added that once financing was available; scholarships will be awarded based on merit. “We will support youth development,” he said. Cartwright-Robinson pointed out that a test of merit, under the PDM, will be the introduction of the twoplus-two initiative, where students do two years at the local community college and the other two abroad. Giving his take, Jolly maintained that more has to be invested in educating Islanders in the TCI and closer to home. According to him, scholarships are needed, but the paradigm will eventually have to shift. A Wesley Methodist student raised the issue of keeping the culture of TCI alive among the younger generations. Ewing noted that the revival of the patriotism programme is one approach. According to him, it is important for youths to know, respect and be proud of their heritage and culture. However, he warned against segregation, given the multiple nationalities residing in the TCI, and urged respect. Another Wesley Methodist student questioned the attention given to teen mothers, less privileged young people, in particular those in orphanages. Cartwright-Robinson stated that there is no law that states that teenage mothers cannot continue in school. “There is no law to stop them,” she stressed. According to her, there is the New Beginnings programme, for those who are no longer comfortable in the mainstream education system that supports them to complete their
secondary education. She added that a PDM government would place emphasis on empowering all youth. Ewing pointed out that regardless if a young person is a teen mother or an orphan, everyone has to have an opportunity to develop their potential. He stated that his party will support equal access to education for all. The PNP leader added that existing programmes will be reviewed for their effectiveness by a PNP administration. Jolly reiterated similar sentiments, adding that a PPP administration would expand and improve current programmes, as well as encourage persons to respond to their civic responsibility by volunteering to become mentors. Wesley Methodist continued their questioning, when one student underscored the need for school clinics and pointed to the fact that the current climate conditions aggravate health conditions like asthma and the response from ambulances are not always timely. Ewing assured that healthcare is a major priority for his party and committed to ensuring there are clinics in every major school.
PROGRESSIVE Calling for a progressive way forward, the TCI youth concurred that there needs to be changes in several areas. A student from Raymond Gardiner questioned the fate of TCI’s economy were it to become an independent nation. PPP’s Jolly stated that his party’s vision is for a sustainable economy, which can occur through diversification and, in particular, focus on agriculture. He stated that the PPP is currently in talks with specialists in the field of agriculture on how to maximise the resources in the TCI to advance subsistence agriculture. According to CartwrightRobinson, diversification and expansion of TCI’s economic earners is the way forward. “We have to become selfsustaining now. We cannot wait until we become an independent nation,” she posited. Ewing responded by saying that more in-depth plans for the way forward would be shared at the party’s National Policy Forum, held on Saturday. A HJ Robinson student raised the often-evasive issue of cooperation among political parties.
PDM’sAstwood stressed that it would serve the interests of a small country like the TCI to have its politicians working together. He pointed out that the ideas on both sides on an elected House of Assembly must be assessed for their worth. “We have to recognise ideas, be mature and act in the interest of the TCI,” Astwood said. Dr. Smith from the PPP echoed similar sentiments and noted that nothing could be lost by considering ideas that can move TCI forward.
EAGER Director of Youth, Ms. Angela Musgrove, at the end of the session, commended the eagerness of TCI’s youth during the questioning. According to her, the Youth Round Table was an excellent opportunity to give youth a chance to address their leaders. She said, “The quality of questions shows that they are thinking about what happens to them and that they will be keeping their politicians accountable.” Tuesday’s event was the highlight of the many activities planned to mark Youth Week in the TCI. The theme for Youth Week 2012 was inspired by seven-year-old Kirnae Rigby from BEST Institute and is ‘Stand Up, Speak Up – Take responsible action’.
TCI must continuously improve its tourism offer, Governor THE Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) must continuously develop and improve its tourism offer, according to Governor Ric Todd. Todd, in an invited comment at a press conference last Wednesday, said, “TCI has competition not only in Caribbean.” He noted that the TCI has a strong offer, as well as hospitality sector – both of which have had the support of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG). Todd pointed to the massive $10 redevelopment of passenger facilities and the Fixed Based Operations investment at the at the Providenciales airport, the work of the Middle Caicos Causeway and the investment in road works. “We have to make tourism offer stronger…the tourists want a professional service, safe streets and
a warm welcome,” he said. Governor Todd stressed that no one thing can be done to improve lift. He said, “The competition is strong… airlines assess where they can make more money on one route compared to another. There is tough competition. “The airport authority is working hard on attracting more lift.” Statistics for the first quarter of 2012 showed an increase of 4.38 per cent over the same period last year, when the country celebrated more than one million arrivals for the first time ever. January and February arrivals increased 18.3 and 10.4 per cent, respectively, while March was off by 8.2 percent. In the second quarter of this year, land-based tourism experienced a sharp drop, but cruise ship arrivals had made a modest climb. According to figures, land-based
tourism arrivals declined by 24 per cent from 105,827 over last year compared with 80, 140 in 2012. In April, arrivals declined by 19 per cent, then dropped 31 per cent in May and further declined by 23 per cent in June. The numbers for April show that 32, 669 visitors visited the TCI, compared with 40, 385 last year. In May the number was 23, 497 compared with 34, 108 last year. For June, the figure was 23, 974 compared with 31, 334 over the corresponding period in 2011. Cruise ship arrivals grew by seven per cent, with 54 calls to the Grand Turk Cruise Centre, with 151, 215 passengers disembarking. According to Todd, the catchphrase ‘tourism everyone business’is something that is something that everyone has accepted, which is an asset to the TCI. (VANESSA NARINE)
Lifestyle... 14 NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
September 29 - October 5, 2012
fitness Tip
Dr. Joe LeMoine, is an Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine physician. He has worked with many international athletes and at many sporting events on the world stage. He currently practices in Providenciales, at Prime Sports Medicine.
Exercise... A Smart Thing It is widely accepted that exercising your brain keeps you sharp. Studies have shown that a daily brain exercise, such as a puzzle or reading, may slow down the onset or progression of dementia. Well, we now know that physical exercise also keeps the mind performing at its best. Whenever you exercise your heart increases its load, pumping blood to the muscles. The brain also benefits from this extra blood flow. The Active Healthy Kids Canada
Roasted Yams
Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine physician Dr. Joe LeMoine
Report Card indicates that academic performance increases with physical activity. A large American study has also shown that physically active children have a stronger academic performance. The benefit to the brain as a result of exercise is not limited to kids. Daily aerobic exercise improves memory, learning and attention in older adults as well. In addition, this benefit is effective even if you start the exercise later in life. As for the working adult, exercise has been shown to improve he two most common mental components of our work lives; planning and
multitasking. Regular exercise should improve your efficiency at work by keeping you both energized and organized. Exercise has been shown to work on memory as well. After just thirty minutes of aerobic workout, individuals performed better on a memory test in a recent study. This is helpful at all ages. Physical exercise has been shown to improve brainpower in all age groups whether it is to improve learning in children, improving performance at work, or to delay or slow the memory loss of aging. Exercise, more than ever is the smart thing to do. For more information check out my website at www. primesportsmedicine.com.
health Tip Roasted, thinly sliced yams or potato of your choice, quickly adds a yummy side-dish to your meal. Best when served with chicken, steak, or a mild fish. Ingredients • 1 large yam, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch thick slices • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 2 tablespoons olive oil Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet or shallow baking dish with aluminum foil. 2. Arrange slices of potato in the prepared pan so they are overlapping slightly. Season with salt and pepper and then drizzle olive oil over them as evenly as possible. 3. Bake in the preheated oven until potatoes are tender and have begun to wrinkle around the edges, about 30 minutes. (Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving Calories: 388 | Total Fat: 13.9g | Cholesterol: 0mg)
Yams and You Maybe you bought it from the supermarket or have grown yams in your yard, but whichever the case is, including them in your diet was a good choice. Yam is a staple tuber vegetable of West African origin. In addition this humble root vegetable is in Asia, and Latin America, and widely grown throughout the West Indies. Depending on the yam variety, of which there are about 200, its flesh may be of varying colors including white, ivory, yellow, or orange. Yam provides a very good source of Vitamin C, Vitamins B1, B6, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus folic acid, manganese, carbohydrates, magnesium, and soluble dietary fiber. Yam is a super food especially
By Phillip Simmons since it possesses phytoestrogen activity. It contains a large amount of vitamin B6, which is required by the liver, and also folic acid, and other B vitamins that help to detoxify excess estrogen. This action is especially beneficial in helping women improve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Yam is also helpful in maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin, night vision, growth and protection from lung, and oral cavity cancers, anti-aging,
it helps with hypertensive effect, and constipation. I just cannot thank God enough, for his tender mercies that I see, day after day.
This week, I will leave you with the words of an exceptional man, Mahatma Ghandi (1869-1948) who said, “The future depends on what we do in the present.”
September 29 - October 5, 2012
Lifestyle... GARDENING
NEWS 15
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
How does your garden grow
YOUR DIET
ASK TAMIKA
BY TAMIKA HANDFIELD
Tamika graduated from Florida International University in Miami with a Masters degree in Dietetics & Nutrition. She is a registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and licensed to practice medical nutrition therapy in the state of Florida. Email Tamika via tcweeklynews@gmail.com or tamikahandfield@yahoo.com with your healthy eating questions.
War long sleeves and avoid wearing perfume to keep mosquitoes at bay
Mosquitoes in the garden THERE are two things that mosquitoes need. They need blood to manufacture eggs and a place to lay their eggs. Mosquitoes lay up to 250 eggs at a time in still water which will hatch in about seven to 10 days. That is why it is important to clean out water weekly, to keep mosquitoes from breeding. Mosquito hatcheries are everywhere. Many items that might hold water include wheelbarrows, tyres, cans, bottles, toys, garden equipment, pool covers, pipes, tarps, drains, bins and even a bottle cap. Also remove standing water from fountains, ditches, clogged rain gutters, plant saucers, and buckets. The cistern should be sealed and its opening should have a mosquito net. If you have a pond or fountain, you might consider adding fish to eat the mosquito larvae. To avoid mosquito bites, it’s always wise to wear long sleeves, avoid wearing perfume and scented hair products. Make sure you have window and door screens, and apply insect repellent that contains DEET only on children over the age of two months. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is effective too but should never be used on children under the age of three. Dengue fever is primarily a disease of the tropics that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Those infected with dengue can suffer from a spectrum of illnesses ranging from viral flu to severe and fatal hemorrhagic fever (DHF). The dengue virus is passed back and forth between mosquitoes and humans and causes an extraordinarily painful ailment that exists in four known strains or serotypes. Dengue is especially dangerous to children, who generally have one infection, but if bitten again can get
BY DENIS Belanger - NATURE SPLENDOR For all your landscaping, installation or garden maintenance needs, please call or write for a free estimate: 332-3381 or naturesplendor@yahoo.com
a more serious infection that can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). DHF causes severe internal bleeding, shock, and circulatory collapse, and is usually fatal to children. Dengue is increasingly becoming a plague of global proportions and may soon eclipse malaria as the most significant mosquito-borne viral disease affecting humans. Many mosquito trapping devices are based on generating carbon dioxide (CO2) to lure the mosquitoes to the device. Once in the vicinity of the fan on the device, the mosquitoes are sucked up into the device and into a collection bag where they will die. The CO2 baited traps will catch mosquitoes. However, even an impressively large collection may be a minute percentage of all the blood-seeking females in the area
and this will not likely impact large populations of mosquitoes. These devices are only successful if the wind is low, the actual mosquito population is low and there are no other factors to attract the mosquitoes in that area. Bug zappers use ultraviolet light to lure mosquitoes into a trap that will electrocute them. These devices attract many types of insects such as moths and beetles. Studies have shown that these devices do not reduce the number of biting mosquitoes, and they kill other types of insects more often than they kill mosquitoes. The best way to reduce the mosquito population is by preventing them from breeding in close vicinity to your home, by making sure your garden has no nests, as well as sharing this information with your neighbours.
Childhood obesity awareness During the month of September, we have celebrated various health observances. This week, we will end the month with yet another observance—Childhood Obesity Awareness. Childhood obesity has been termed an epidemic by organizations such as World Health Organization (WHO). Other research shows that one in three American children is already overweight or obese. They are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, psychological problems, bullying and more. Children are also at an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and even stroke –diseases that were once only seen in adults. I do not mean to bore you with statistics nor do I want to scare you; however, I do want to make you aware of the many health problems associated with being overweight. I want you to take a minute and think about your physical health and overall wellness at this particular stage in your life. If you cannot wish your current health status upon your child then you may need to make changes to the way you and your children are living your lives. Have you been making lifelong deposits into your health bank and now are reaping the dividends of a normal weight, absence of high blood pressure, diabetes or any other chronic disease? Or, are you plagued with diabetes and amputations, high blood pressure and strokes, heart disease and surgeries and many other health problems associated with being overweight? Think about this carefully because this can be the future of an overweight child if changes are not made in their eating habits and physical activity patterns. In 2009, I conducted a research on Parental Perceptions of Childhood Obesity using parents from a cross-section of schools on Providenciales. An astonishing 78 per cent of our parents did not feel their children had a weight problem. We also found that parents were more likely to be satisfied with their child’s weight if they were overweight themselves. This is critical information because it gives a sneak preview into parents’ motivation to make any behavioral and lifestyle changes with their children. Parents, you have to be motivated by something in order to make the necessary changes that can help your children live long productive lives. That motivation can be your own health status. If you are a parent who feels your child may have a weight problem, I encourage you to seek professional medical help for your child. Do not rely on what you feel is a correct weight for your child because our culture says “plump is cute”. A primary care doctor can determine whether your child is overweight and then refer you to someone, such as myself, to help find solutions. Do not let fear of the unknown paralyze you into doing nothing and please, disregard what you think other people might say.
ACCU Medical Nutrition is based in Graceway IGA Plaza, Providenciales. Call 946 8308, 242 3978 or 442 3978.
16 NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
this week
Friday, September 28 to Tuesday, October 2 Friday, September 28 PUBLIC HOLIDAY: NATIONAL YOUTH DAY TCIRFU 2012 Quiz Night has been set for September 28th and will be held at the Salt Mills Diner. Teams of 5 are encouraged to enter what will be a great event held in the air conditioned premises of Saltmills Diner. The fun starts at 8pm and the entry fee for each team is just $100 ($20 each). There will be drinks specials, plus pub grub and jerk BBQ to eat, so put your thinking caps on and start planning your team now. For further information contact the TCIRRU's Rugby Development Officer Jamie Tait on rdo@rugby.tc or 441-1215. Danny Buoy’s is Provo’s premier live music and sports destination, serving lunch and dinner daily from 11:30am. It is the perfect place to escape from the heat and hang with friends, all in smoke free airconditioned comfort. Happy Hour specials from 4-7pm Monday-Saturday Get into the weekend mood with the intense and electrifying Tae-Bo class at Graceway Sports Centre from 6pm to 7pm. Free for fitness members, $12 for non-members. Visit www.gracewaysports.com for more information or call 4426349. Craig Archibold gets the party started at the Regent Palms from 7pm on Friday nights with the sound of classic Caribbean and Motown tunes. Call 946-8666 for details
fun and unique parties of the year, so mark your calendars, get your mask and join the us for an exciting night. The Weekly Community and Farmers’ Market organized by TCI Red Cross is on at the organization’s headquarters, opposite Lime on the Leeward Highway in Providenciales, from 10am to 2pm. Persons will be able to purchase freshly grown produce and locally sourced items. For more information on the Weekly Community and Farmers’ Market call (649) 247-8911. With regard to the TCI Red Cross’ services or how you can volunteer or donate, contact our Provo office on (649) 941-8056 or email redcrossprovo@tciway.tc OR for Grand Turk call (649) 946-2761 or Email:tciredcross@tciway.tc If you’re looking for a serene and relaxed way of starting your weekend, bring your yoga mat at Graceway Sports Centre every Saturday at 9am and let David Bowen lead you into the wonderful world of yoga! Amazing fees for an amazing class! More info at 442-6348” Mums and Tots Dance Party classes are held every Saturday at Graceway Sports Centre for mothers and their little ones. Mothers, bring your little ones to dance, jump, twist and shake! Children have fun learning movement basics to fun music and mums get a light exercise while spending quality time. Mums and Tots classes begin at 10am and cost just $10. Dads are welcome! Call Shara Bowen on 244-1103 for more details.
Monday, October 1 Saturday, September 29 The TCHTA will hosts “Masquerade”, a Casino night fundraiser for the Third Annual Maskanoo at Royal Flush Casino in Turtle Cove. All proceeds from the evening will go to help make Maskanoo the biggest and best event yet. The evening promises to be an exciting night out with a poker tournament, pool tournaments, and entertainment. Entrance is $10.00 at the door. Registration for the tournaments can be made by calling Melissa at Royal Flush Casino at 332-5078 or Mary Lou VanderHeide at 4316099. This will be one of the most
Build a stronger core and improve stability and flexibility with yoga and pilates! Inner Balance is offering amazing back to school specials during the month of September. David Bowen will be teaching his yoga classes Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 7:00am and Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6:30pm. For more details call 331-YOGA. Inner Balance is your Gateway to Mind, Body, Spirit
Tuesday, October 2 The Secret is Out! - pass it on to your friends and family - in support of the Youth Enterprise - every Tuesday night are having ‘All U Can Eat Spaghetti Night’ at HorseEye Jacks.
Got an event you wish to advertise? Call us on 946 4664 or email tcweeklynews@gmail.com for a free listing.
September 29 - October 5, 2012
Insights for your Innerspring
Launch Yourself to Success with the Power of Belief (Part one) What is your definition of success? Is it having a great job, a fancy car, a beautiful house, the ability to take annual vacations, the acquisition of new things or giving your children the maximum advantage in life? For many of us, these things help to make life more enjoyable but do not always say that success has been achieved. There are so many who can do these things and more, but some are miserable and face multiple challenges in their family lives and businesses. So if having all those trinkets and trappings don’t necessarily define success, what does? Jim Rohn once said that success is being happy. Happiness is something that eludes a wide swath of the population and the lack of it contributes to many of our societal issues. As a population we seem much better off than our forefathers were financially, but comparatively speaking, our levels of happiness do not come close to theirs. Despite their lack, they shared and everyone had enough. During their struggles, they were resourceful and found a
way to overcome. We, however, have become so busy that our lives are filled but not fulfilling, active but not actualizing, colourful but not impactful. If success is truly the attainment of happiness, then what is preventing so many of us from reaching that destination? In chapter 1 of ‘The Magic of Thinking BIG’, David J. Schwartz, Ph.D. states that “success means freedom: freedom from worries, fears, frustrations and failure. Success means self-respect, continually finding more real happiness and satisfaction from life, being able to do more for those who depend on you. Success means winning.” Everyone wants to succeed. If asked, no one states that he or she wants to fail. Everyone wants the finer things in life and wants to be happy. Dr. Schwartz presents the concept – ‘believe you can succeed and you will’ as the title of chapter 1. He refers to some of the most practical successbuilding wisdom being found in the Biblical quotation stating that ‘faith can move mountains’. The basis of success is a belief that you can succeed. What is it that you wish to achieve? Whatever that
By Whitney Bain thing is, the desire for it signifies your inward hunger. That inward hunger will guide you to attain it, and once attained, you will be happy. Will achieving that goal, creating that program or helping that section of society make you happy? Believing that you can do it gives you the fuel to pursue it. Staying the course enables you to eventually reach it. That accomplishment is success. As seen there are some key elements needed in order to achieve success. They are as follows: • Desire (Goal) + Belief (Action) = Success (Happiness) As was previously mentioned, everyone wants to succeed and that speaks to the innate desire for more in all of us. That desire is made more realistic when you actually believe that you can achieve whatever you desire. That rock-solid posture of belief gives you the foundation to see an intangible thought or idea become tangible, all because of your belief. We will continue our look into this topic in our next article.
autism awareness By Nicole Cox, a mother living with autism
Social Therapy There is such a strange exchange that happens when people work up the strength to ask about Autism and how it affects our family. “Is he getting better?” “What do you think caused it?” “When will he be cured?” “Is he retarded?” “Do you think this epidemic is a punishment from God?” “I bet you are so tired!” “Have you asked God to heal him?” “Are you bitter?” “Does the rest of your family understand?” “Do you feel alone?” Wow! Then there are those who deal with Autism by trying to minimize it. “My nephew was just like that and he grew out of it.” “I think my son has that too, He is REALLY smart!” “Well, we all have our burdens, don’t we?” Another WOW! My favorites are the ones who are just generally annoyed that you are interrupting their routines by trying to train your child in public. “Maybe this is too much for him.” “Is he always this difficult?” “Do you normally do this with him?” Here is the thing: The only thing harder than performing therapy with your child is performing therapy with society. In order for therapy to be
successful both the executor and the recipient have to want to improve. With Josiah, we use tangible reinforcers to encourage him to behave appropriately so that he can then learn. Slowly we wean him off the tangible reinforcers to only be responsive to social reinforcers. Verbal praise, high fives, thumbs up, hugs or pats on the back, the stuff that we the neuro-typical take for granted! When rehabilitating society to view Autism with an open heart and mind, one must ask: Do they really want to understand or do they want you to make them comfortable? There are some very uncomfortable truths about Autism. It is permanent. It is expensive. It is trying to the point of tears. It is rampant. It is mysterious. It is random. It is uncertain. If you begin a conversation with me or any truly informed parent who has accepted the possibilities and continues to press forward, be prepared to learn more. However, know that what you learn may not help you sleep better at night. There is no magic cure. There is no hiding place. One must
be prepared to embrace these enigmatic children and the impact that they WILL have on our world in the years to come. My best suggestion for any parent of a child with Autism is to get behavioral therapy for that child as soon as possible. My best suggestion for the rest of society watching from the other side of the glass is to get exposed and educated so that you can better deal with the inevitable. In the United States, Autism is now found in one of 88 children. The Centre for Diseases Control (CDC) has listed it as an epidemic. Do not waste your time pitying the children or the families that raise them. Educate yourself and get involved so that when you meet your 1 in 88 in school, the grocery store, the restaurant, church, in the elevator, in the airport or in the thousands of other places that are common to us all, you will know what to say and what to do. I am not an angry Autism mom. I am a sad one. Sad for all those who will miss out on how great these kids are because they refuse to spend a little time learning some truths and then accepting them. We can do better.
September 29 - October 5, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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Governor signs off on VAT regulations
GOVERNOR Ric Todd, on Wednesday, signed off on the regulations, which explain the detailed implementation of the new tax regime, Value Added Tax (VAT), which will come into effect on April 1, 2013. The VAT regulations follow on from the VAT Ordinance that was signed into law in July. The details will be published in the Turks and Caicos Gazette on Monday, October 1. Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Hugh McGarel-Groves, said, “The publication of the regulations draws to an end the consultation on the introduction of VAT. “Their publication now provides certainty to businesses across the islands and allows them finalise their preparations over the next six months. “The Government has gone to great lengths to ensure that the range of VAT exempt and zero-rated items makes sure that the man in the street is not adversely affected by VAT.
“Most prices in the TCI should remain the same or even fall thanks to these measures. Indeed, we have actually expanded the range of exempted items to include essential fire and safety equipment, health supplies and, with one eye to the future, renewable energy equipment. “Please remember too, that VAT is a replacement tax designed not to increase the government’s tax take, but simply to regularise its income and to allow the public sector to benefit from a positive cash flow in a similar way to private business. “If retail prices for basic goods rise then this is simply down to sharp practice. The only area where people may see price rises when VAT is introduced is in a limited range of service industries – mainly those who buy accountancy, legal or architectural services, for example. “Finally, as we announced earlier this week, we have taken great care to reduce import duties by the maximum amount. Quite simply, we have taken all reasonable measures
to ensure that prices do not rise here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.” The effective rate of VAT to be charged in the Turks and Caicos Islands is 11 per cent - the second lowest rate in the Caribbean region, after Haiti, and is the same level as Accommodation Tax currently charged in the TCI. The VAT registration threshold for businesses not already registered for Accommodation Tax will be set at a turnover of $200,000 in annual gross sales, which is the highest threshold in the Caribbean (Antigua and Barbuda are the next highest at $110,000). This figure was determined on the planned number of registrants, values of imports, business license information and employee earnings data. The VAT registration threshold for businesses already registered for Accommodation Tax will be set at a lower threshold of $50,000 to mitigate against any loss of tax revenue from businesses with turnovers between $50,000 and $200,000. Hotels and
restaurants with turnovers below $50,000 will no longer be required to include taxes in their charges to their customers; however they will pay VAT on their imports and other inputs, which registered businesses can offset against their output VAT. There will be a deliberately large range of VAT exempt supplies, which are those goods and services that will not be directly subject to VAT. These have been chosen to protect consumers against price increases on essential goods and services. VAT exempt goods will include basic food items including rice, flour, sugar, milk and eggs, chicken, fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition, infant supplies, personal hygiene products, hurricanes shutters, cement, steel, fuel, property leases and rents; property sales where stamp duty is applied, medical services, transportation, religious services and printed materials. There will also be a range of zero rated supplies, which are goods and services that will be taxable, but at a
VAT rate of zero per cent, allowing a VAT registrant to claim input tax credit on inputs used in making the zero rated supplies, including the supply of water, electricity and exports. All accommodation units in resorts/condominiums will be required to join the resorts/ condominiums rental pools and only rentals through the rental pool arrangements will be permitted. Only the rental pool business will be required to register for VAT, not the individual accommodation units. Strata fees allocated to owners of resorts/condominiums accommodation units will not be subject to VAT, as these represent a sharing of costs that are already subject to VAT, within a Strata company arrangement formed on behalf of the owners for cost sharing purposes. It is anticipated that there will be 400 VAT registered businesses in the TCI at the $200,000 registration level, when VAT begins next year.
South Caicos and North Caicos get first ATM from Scotiabank RESIDENTS of South Caicos and North Caicos finally have a choice about when and how often they can do financial transactions, thanks to the island’s first automated teller machine (ATM) provided by Scotiabank. The move, which came through a collaboration between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) and Scotiabank, marks a significant step towards technological advancement and modern convenience available in the communities of South Caicos, North Caicos and Middle Caicos. Representatives from Scotiabank unveiled the machine to South Caicos residents on Friday September 21, while the North Caicos population gained accessibility to theirs on Tuesday September 24. Scotiabank’s Cecil Arnold said that it is certainly a historic moment for Scotiabank to expand banking services to the family islands in an effort to improve the lives of residents. He explained that the machines will be a means not only for residents but business owners to change and adapt modern banking principles in terms of payment services, online banking, saving, payroll, access to cash, and in the longer term, attract more development on the family islands. At the launch in South Caicos, Arnold said, “We believe in the viability of their islands and the potential that they have for development and are convinced that this one machine is the beginning and the venue for us to do even more here.” He said that this is just the first step towards improving the financial facilities on South Caicos, disclosing plans to open a Scotiabank branch in about 12 to 18 months. The ATM in South Caicos is located in the Emily Saunders Super Value Supermarket building and in the Higgs building opposite the Police Station in Bottle Creek North Caicos. Governor Todd, who was present
The presentation ceremony in North Caicos included Governor Todd, CEO Patrick Boyle, PS Education and Health Desiree Lewis, Scotiabank representatives and members of the North Caicos Community.
Governor Todd cuts the ribbon at the opening of the ATM in South Caicos while Scotiabank’s managing director Cecil Arnold, property owner Emily Saunders and South Caicos’ District Commissioner Emily Malcolm look on.
Scotiabank’s managing director Cecil Arnold and North Caicos’ incoming District Commissioner Donna Gardiner agrees the ATM is all set for the feat
The Scotiabank team at the unveiling of the South Caicos ATM. From left, commercial banking manager Terry Day, Scotiabank’s managing director Cecil Arnold, assistant manager of business support Keno Forbes and HR manager Lynette Grant-Higgs.
at the opening on both islands, said that the cash machine is a symbol of three things – partnership between government and the private sector, upgraded public service delivery and a future of improving the way services are delivered to people. “Technology is a thing we need to use and embrace…it’s the 21 century and we need to make TCI work by doing things better than in the past,” he said.
logo on the back. North Caicos’ incoming District Commissioner, Donna Gardiner applauded having an ATM in the community, saying it is brilliant and will make the lives of residents a lot easier. “Going over to Provo is not easy, especially for residents in Middle Caicos…it costs a lot and becomes a day just to get couple dollars from the machine,” she said.
The Governor is pleased that “People across North, Middle and South Caicos can now withdraw cash, make deposits without having the trouble or expense of travelling to Providenciales or Grand Turk". Scotiabank’s Keno Forbes said that the ATMs will not only accept Scotiabank’s debit and credit cards but also any major visa, debit card or ATM cards with the cirrus or plus
Residents on the islands delightedly received the long overdue machine, welcoming the services it will provide and acknowledged what a tremendous positive difference it will make in their daily lives. Scotiabank also saw a rush of new customers in the two islands as residents were eager to enjoy the new privileges and freedom the ATMs bring. (KH)
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Regional News
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Eight-year-old Jamaican among five raped in one family AN EIGHT-year-old girl who was raped by two men who forced their way into her home in Irwin Point, St James is out of surgery and has been admitted to hospital in stable condition. The girl and four other members of her family were all raped at gun point Monday approximately 10:30 p.m. The family’s ordeal lasted for more than two hours. Reports from police sources indicate that the men held up one member of the family, and threatened to kill that person, unless she opened the doors letting them in. The men then proceeded to rob the family of cellular phones, cash and jewellery.
FAMILY STATUS UNCLEAR The area where the incident occurred is one of the newer housing developments in Irwindale, St James. Up to press time, information on the condition of the rest of the family was sketchy. However, as news spread throughout the parish, even members of the police force found it difficult to speak about the issue. “I understand that one of my colleagues cried today, when she heard what happened and the Victim Support Unit had to intervene,” said a policewoman. Another woman police officer, said she just could not bear to listen to what had happened to the family. Last night Prime Minister Portia
Simpson Miller declared that such violence against the nation’s women and girls was intolerable and called for the police to leave no stone unturned in the search for the perpetrators. She also pleaded for those with information to assist the police in their investigations. Meanwhile, Opposition spokesperson on gender affairs Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange also expressed shock at the incident. “This underscores the need for the sex offender’s registry to be up and running effectively. I call on the Minister of Justice to give the nation an urgent update on the state of the registry,” Grange said. (Jamaica Gleaner)
Haiti PM says cholera outbreak under control A CHOLERA epidemic in Haiti that has killed thousands and been blamed on U.N. peacekeepers was “regrettable” but has been brought under control, the prime minister of the poor Caribbean nation said at the United Nations on Wednesday. Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe met U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday, but he told Reuters they did not discuss accusations by some Haitians that Nepalese peacekeepers sparked the epidemic after camp latrines contaminated a river. “This (the outbreak) is regrettable,” Lamothe, who became prime minister in May, said during an interview on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. “Our duty is to take care of the people and to solve the problem and that’s where we have been focusing our attention, while the U.N. is investigating the causes.” An independent panel appointed by Ban to study the epidemic issued a May 2011 report that the United Nations said did not determine conclusively how cholera was introduced into Haiti. But the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in June 2011 found that evidence strongly suggested U.N. peacekeepers from Nepal were the source. Lamothe said he and Ban “didn’t discuss the cause, we discussed the treatment and going forward.” The cholera outbreak has sickened almost 600,000 people and killed more than 7,400 in Haiti since October 2010. Cholera is an infection that causes severe diarrhoea and can lead to dehydration and death. It occurs in places with poor sanitation and can be treated by drinking clean fluids. In a report to the U.N. Security Council last month, Ban said there had been an increase in the number
September 29 - October 5, 2012
Jamaican 11-year-old molested, believed pregnant for grand uncle An 11-year-old girl was on Monday admitted to the St Ann’s Bay Hospital, reportedly pregnant for her 63-year-old grand uncle, who she lived with in Carlton Mountain, Claremont in St Ann. Sitting at the hospital in tears yesterday, the child’s mother related to The Gleaner that on Friday her daughter came home complaining of a severe bellyache and headache. “Me make her some ginger tea with cerassee and tell her to lie down. But whole weekend she a bawl fi har belly and she nah eat anything, so me decide to carry her to clinic Monday,” said the 31-yearold mother. She said the doctor at the Claremont Clinic was concerned after examining the child and told the mother she needed to do a pregnancy test. “Me ask har how she mean pregnancy test and she only 11 years old,” said the mother. The test came back positive and the mother said she was told the child was three to four months pregnant.
It was also revealed that the child had fresh vaginal scarring which indicated penetration within the last three days. She also had an infection. The police were called in and after prompting, the child revealed that it was the common-law husband of her grand aunt who was responsible. Around 5 p.m. on Monday, the accused was arrested at his home. “She tell the police and the doctor say it going on for a long time now, so me ask why she never tell me and she say him threaten her,” said the child’s father, who declared he was sickened after listening to his daughter describe in details of what was done to her. “When she see him come to the station she start tremble,” added the father, who lives in Moneague. The 11-year-old was taken to the St Ann’s Bay Hospital and admitted. However, the mother said she was told a second pregnancy test came back negative. The child was scheduled to be sedated for a procedure to be performed last night.
Mother and young sons “slash” to death in Guyana
The Cholera outbreak affected almost 600,000 people and killed more than 7,400.
of cholera cases since the rainy season began in early March and the World Health Organization projects up to 112,000 cases during 2012. But Lamothe said the outbreak was “really under control” and said that the United Nations mission in Haiti, which began in 2004, had only helped the country and the government was “eternally grateful” for the world body’s help. “We like to think on the positive side, we are the eternal optimists,” he said. “You need that in Haiti to run a country that’s been mismanaged for the past 30 years. You need a lot of optimism and a lot of will to do the right thing.” STILL STRUGGLING Haiti is still struggling to lift itself from the rubble left by an earthquake in January 2010 that killed about 300,000 people and left more than 1.5 million homeless. Lamothe said 1.2 million of those had been moved back into homes, while the United Nations said 390,000 were still living in tent camps. Only half the $5.5 billion pledged by the international community at a 2010 fundraising conference has been delivered. “We are working at remobilising,
re-energising the donor community at least to fulfil the commitment they had made,” Lamothe said. “Haiti’s destruction was estimated at $12.5 billion, out of which right now we received a fraction of that.” “We want it to go through the Haitian government. The Haitian government will allocate it and work together with the different communities on the ground,” he said. Lamothe said 54 percent of Haitians were living in extreme poverty on less than $1 a day and during the next year he hope to reduce that to 40 percent. He said that while some aid groups were withdrawing he was not concerned Haiti was being forgotten. “Usually a country is forgotten when things are doing better, so we like to think things are doing better,” he said. A U.N. peacekeeping force in Haiti was recently extended for another year, but the number of authorized troops and police will be reduced by about 1,700 to 8,800 by June 2013. U.N. peacekeepers - who helped maintain security, especially during elections plagued by fraud and unrest - are gradually handing over responsibility to the Haitian National Police.
A 41-year-old woman and her two young sons were killed last Saturday evening at the family’s home in Anna Catherina, West Coast, Demerara. The woman’s reputed husband, known as “Lenny”, is fingered in the murders in which all three throats had been cut. The young children were Afridi 6 and Jadon 17 months. The latter was said to be the son of the accused.
Reports from Guyana indicated that there was some turmoil between the now dead woman and her husband and she had asked him to leave her premise earlier that week. Lenny is not the only person helping the police with the investigation. Another man, said to be his uncle is also in police custody. The woman operated a small bar at her residence.
USVI tourism commissioner wants renewable energy revolution THE CARIBBEAN can seriously advance local, regional and global action on sustainable energy development - especially if they worked together, says a senior regional tourism official. “By investing more in renewable energy technologies and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, we can protect the environment and create a more competitive tourism business environment with lower operating costs and greater efficiencies,” reasons Beverly Nicholson-Doty, Commissioner of Tourism of the United States Virgin Islands. Noting the tremendous strides made over the years with photovoltaic technology and solar water heating, for example, “more must be done with our collective human and financial capital,” the Commissioner opined. Speaking ahead of World Tourism Day 2012 - to be celebrated
globally on Thursday, September 27 - the tourism official called for a “renewables revolution” and encouraged the international community to meet targets to reduce climate changing emissions. Failure to act now could contribute to unstable climatic conditions which in turn would lead to severe damage to our regional economic system,” said Nicholson-Doty, who sits on the Council of Ministers and Commissioners of the Caribbean Tourism Organization. Calling for a united approach to sustainable energy development across the Caribbean, the Commissioner added: “Each of us in the Caribbean has important lessons to share which will no doubt advance the pace of progress in the renewables revolution. We must stand united since we contribute the least to climate change, but are impacted the most by it.”
September 29 - October 5, 2012
Entertainment
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Andy Williams dies The young girl died early Wednesday, her family wrote on Twitter.
Young Bieber fan dies from brain cancer at age 6 THE 6-year-old girl who stole Justin Bieber’s heart died from brain cancer early Wednesday. Avalanna Routh, aka “Mrs. Bieber,” was adored nationwide for her brave struggle with a rare and incurable cancer called AT/RT — and her unending love for the teen pop star. “Our darling Avalanna went to Heaven this morning,” her family wrote on Twitter. “Oh Avalanna, the brightest star — you took our hearts with you, our greatest love.” Avalanna, from Merrimac, Mass., hit headlines in February when she got the gift of a lifetime — a date
with her beloved idol. Bieber learned about the young girl after her family started a “Get Avalanna to Meet Justin Bieber” campaign on Facebook and Twitter, using the hashtag, #MrsBieber. Avalanna was so infatuated with the singer her nurses once organized a pretend wedding, where Avalanna “married” a cardboard cutout of Bieber. Bieber flew his cancer-stricken fan and her mother to New York for an early Valentine’s Day date, where they played board games and snacked on cupcakes and candy. He later tweeted the date was “one of the best things I have ever done.”
Billie Joe is seeking help for substance abuse.
Green Day singer Billie Joe admits substance abuse THE lead singer of the US rock band Green Day has admitted he is seeking help for substance abuse. A statement on the band’s website revealed that Billie Joe Armstrong was receiving treatment. It comes hours after he stormed off stage at the iHeartRadio festival in Las Vegas ending the band’s set. A sign had appeared saying they had one minute left to perform but Green Day’s website confirmed that the set had not been cut short. The organisers said that Green Day’s set was not curtailed and afterwards Billie Joe was “pumped and laughing backstage”. Green Day’s website apologised to fans who were offended. It said: “We would like everyone to know that our set was not cut
short. “We regretfully must postpone some of our upcoming promotional appearances.” In a number of online videos the front man is seen stopping the band’s set mid-song, swearing repeatedly and smashing his guitar. The news that he is “seeking treatment for substance abuse” comes after he was admitted to hospital in Italy earlier this month. It was said then that the singer was suffering with “an illness” - they were back on stage a couple of days later at the MTV VMAs in Los Angeles. Currently in the middle of a world tour promoting their new album Uno! the group played at London’s Shepherds Bush Empire and Reading festival in August.
SINGER Andy Williams, 84, has died at his home in Branson, Missouri, a year after being diagnosed with bladder cancer. He was best known for the song Moon River, the Oscar-winning song featured in the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. In 1962, he started The Andy Williams Show, which was broadcast around the world and went on to win three Emmys. Since the 1990s, he had run the Andy Williams Moon River Theater in his home town. The singer was one of the most enduring stars of the 1960s and ‘70s, whose easy style and mellow voice led President Ronald Reagan to call him “a national treasure”. A new generation discovered Williams’ music when Music to Watch Girls Go By made the Top 10 in 1999 after being used in an advert. He described Moon River as his “signature song” which had a “wonderful” melody and “timeless” lyrics. “I never tried to sing like anybody else, fortunately I didn’t sound like anybody else. It just happened,” said Williams. “I was very lucky that I had a voice that sounded different to almost anybody else’s and it’s recognisable.” Fellow crooner Tony Christie, who achieved chart success with Is This The Way To Amarillo, descried Williams as “a very charming man” who had “perfect pitch”. The singer was “one of the old school,” he added, “and there aren’t many left”. Williams died on Tuesday night and is survived by his wife, Debbie,
Andy Williams was best known for the song Moon River.
and his three children, Robert, Noelle and Christian. Howard Andrew Williams was born in Iowa and started singing professionally with his three brothers as the Williams Brothers Quartet. They worked in night clubs and on radio and backed Bing Crosby on his number one record Swinging on a Star in 1944. Williams’ TV show made him an international star and launched a recording career that spawned such hits as Butterfly, Love Story, Can’t Get Used to Losing You and Almost There. The weekly show lasted nine years and will be remembered by many for introducing the Osmond family to the world. Williams became a major star in 1956, the same year that Elvis Presley shot to fame, and was well loved in the 1960s. “The old cliche says that if you can remember the 1960s, you
weren’t there,” said the singer. “Well, I was there all right, but my memory of them is blurred - not by any drugs I took but by the relentless pace of the schedule I set myself.” In 1962 he married Claudine Longet, a French actress and singer, with whom he had three children before their divorce in 1975. Williams continued to play live into his 80s. During a 2007 tour of the UK, he said that performing kept him vital. “Perhaps that two hours out onstage is the medicine that everybody should have,” he told a reporter. In November 2011, he revealed he had been diagnosed with bladder cancer but said he planned to continue performing at his own theatre. He said at the time that bladder cancer was “no longer a death sentence” and that “people with cancer are getting through this thing”.
Stevie Wonder blackmail case: Pair plead no contest A COUPLE who tried to extort millions of dollars from Stevie Wonder have pleaded no contest and been sentenced to 292 days in prison in Los Angeles. But Alpha Walker and his girlfriend Tamara Diaz were released after being sentenced, having already served their time since they were arrested in May. Walker was accused of making a video that he said would make the singer “extremely” embarrassed. He tried to blackmail the star for up to $5m (£3m), Wonder’s lawyer said. At a preliminary hearing, a police detective described the video as an 80-minute rant against Wonder. It was said to feature the dilapidated home of Wonder’s dead mother and to show Wonder’s son, of whom the musician is protective. A plea of no contest is not an admission of guilt but means the defendant does not contest the charges. Walker had previously maintained
Stevie Wonder has won 22 Grammy Awards during his career.
his innocence and his solicitor Ian Wallach had claimed that he had a constitutional right to make and market the video. A sting operation involving Wonder’s solicitor led to the pair’s arrest. Wallach said a deal was reached after prosecutors encountered trouble proving the extortion case, according
to the Associated Press news agency. He added that the charges were eligible to be reduced to misdemeanours and expunged later if the pair comply with the terms of their release. Walker and Diaz were both ordered to spend three years on probation and told to stay away from the singer and his associates. (BBC)
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
September 29 - October 5, 2012
Grand prize winner Shawnemae Hall and LIME’s GM Drexwell Seymore front centre, flanked by some of Lime’s weekly winners and Miss Body Beautiful Latoya Pinder, back centre.
LIME reveals summer winners LUCKY LIME customers were rewarded on Monday when the telecommunications network revealed their summer winners in a presentation ceremony and press conference at their LIME building. During the summer, LIME customers were given an opportunity to win weekly prizes by entering competitions through topping up $20 or more, paying their bills promptly, activating the talk 24 plus plan or signing up for the new ADSL service. More than 15 winners walked away with weekly prizes of $100 cash, $50 gas vouchers, $50 top-up or a lime phone. One of those winners was even more fortunate to be awarded the grand prize of $5,000 after Miss Body Beautiful Latoya Pinder dipped into the box of names and randomly
picked the winning customer. Shawnemae Hall, who previously won $100, was the fortunate winner of the $5,000. She thanked God for her good fortune and said she was praying and fasting when she received the phone call from Lime HR manager Rachel Harvey telling her she won $100 cash and will be eligible for the grand prize of $5,000. General manager Drexwell Seymore congratulated the winners and thanked customers for their support. He said that the network is investing a lot this year, currently updating their existing network to improve voice quality, coverage and faster data movement. “We will not take shortcuts and provide you with
substandard services nor will we devalue the communications market,” Seymore reassured. LIME will be also be launching 4G services this year, providing faster data speed to customers. Other exciting news for LIME customers is the reinvention of the ‘Talk 24 Plus Plan’ which costs $2.99 per day and will include unlimited Lime to Lime local, 100 Lime to Lime minutes, 50 SMS and 50 minutes to fixed lines in Canada, US or UK . LIME representative Rashard Goddard said “…by popular demand LIME will be adding the Bahamas to those 50 minutes.” He also revealed that Miss Body Beautiful Latoya Pinder will be featured on the new press flyer. (KH)
From left to right: Catherine James-Williams, Secretary Young Enterprise, TCI; Wendy Hill, Treasurer Young Enterprise, TCI; Toure Holder, Branch Manager, RBC; Angela Musgrove, Chairperson Young Enterprise, TCI; Deveraux Malcolm, Vice Chair Young Enterprise, TCI.
RBC supports Young Enterprise programme THE Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Turks and Caicos, this week, collaborated with the Young Enterprise programme to assist in the establishment of 10 Young Enterprise companies in local schools. Young Enterprise, known in the United States as Junior Achievement, gives students the opportunity to learn about business and the world of work though hands on experience. RBC has been a major supporter of Junior Achievement in the region for over 32 years. Young Enterprise is being implemented in Turks and Caicos through partnership
between the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Youth Affairs. The Programme targets students aged 15 to 19. It provides students with the opportunity to set up and run their own companies, with the support and guidance of volunteer business advisors. Toure Holder, Branch Manager, said, “RBC is proud to support Young Enterprise and help to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs. “Young Enterprise plays a very important role in educating and exposing students to financial management and business
concepts. It is a worthwhile programme for any business to support, particularly banks. We are happy and honoured to fund Young Enterprise.” Adding her bit, Chairperson Young Enterprise, Ms. Angela Musgrove, “RBC's donation indicates that they are not just an actor in the TCI community, but a stakeholder who appreciates the value of demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility and youth development in the Turks & Caicos Islands.” Young Enterprise is an education charity founded in the United Kingdom to forge links between schools and businesses.
September 29 - October 5, 2012
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September 29 - October 5, 2012
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The jovial group of participants after Provo’s Roadrunners inaugural 5k, 10k and half marathon event.
September 29 - October 5, 2012
President Leanne Higgs and other members of Provo’s Roadrunners club during the half marathon (13.1miles)
Provo’s Roadrunners first half marathon PROVO’S Roadrunners put their willpower and stamina to the test, rising before the sun last Saturday morning to conquer their first 5k, 10k and half marathon challenge. Members of the group, ranging from 13 to 61-years-old, gathered at the Green Bean Café in Turtle Cove from as early as 5am to run, walk or cycle their way to completing their chosen distance. The energetic bunch of about 100 people and an active canine proudly made it back to the finish line where they were received by cheering supporters. For most participants, the halfmarathon course which took them from the lower Bight road all the way to Tamarind Lane in Leeward and back to the café, was their first and a tremendous personal accomplishment. Members of the club expressed how delighted they were to be a part of such a fun group that makes
“getting a workout seem easy” and having such a wide support group to “help you reach distances that you never though you could”. No strangers to waking up before dawn or running at 5am, the group engages in fitness activities five days each week. Runs take place either mornings or afternoons while routes are alternated in different areas, chosen based on safety, lighting and parking. The club emerged in September 2011 after president and founder Leanne Higgs accepted a challenge from a friend in 2010 to join her in a half marathon in Washington. During her vigorous first six months of training she became the inspiration of others before successfully completing her first challenge – The Disney Princess Half Marathon. The contagious activity was gaining popularity locally and soon Higgs and was joined by a buddy when she entered another half marathon.
Some runners in the final leg to the finish line
Higgs beamed, “We crossed the finish line together proudly displaying a full size Turks and Caicos Islands flag.” Upon returning to the islands they became mentors, inspiring others and formally establishing the
Provo’s Roadrunners. The group, which is about promoting healthy lifestyle changes through physical activities like walking, running or cycling, has three simple rules: stay focused, no excuses and we don’t take hostages.
“Being a part of the group gives one the motivation and accountability that often expires long before reaching their goals,” said Higgs. “It is about a healthy lifestyle change, about people helping people to move and supporting each other along the way…. a multicultural, multilingual group sharing recipes, encouragement and general information about what works for them.” Participants in the event were presented with medals in a jovial ceremony after the conclusion of the activities. Higgs encourages the public to come out and join the Provo Roadrunners: “Walk, walk/run, run or cycle. Just move! Once you get it in your blood it is very contagious!” For more information visit their Facebook page or their website at provoroadrunners.weebly.com. (KH)
CHHS gets 15 new computers CLEMENT Howell High School (CHHS), the largest Government high school in the Turk and Caicos Islands (TCI), received 15 brand new Dell Desktop computers and a wireless internet tower this week, compliments of Beaches Resort’s philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation. Director of Programs for the Sandals Foundation, Heidi Clarke was on hand to make the computer presentation to students and faculty of the school. She expressed her excitement to be able to make such valuable contribution for the new school year. Clarke said, “The Sandals Foundation believes that exposure to technology is one of the best ways to ensure we are helping to prepare Caribbean children for the demands of the working world, we were very pleased to be able to donate these new computers. “We recognize the dedication of the IT teachers at Clement Howell and realize that through our partnership with them that these computers will go a long way in making a difference to enhance their curriculum and benefit hundreds of children.”
This is the second government school in Providenciales that the Foundation has taken under its wings since its launch in March 2009. The charitable organization inducted the underprivileged secondary institution into their Caribbean-wide school adoption program to help students reach their full potential through financial support, renovations and donations such as the computers. Information Technology teacher, Ms. Tanisha Brown, said, “The donation of 15 brand new computers will certainly help us broaden our Info Tech curriculum for the new school year and will help us to assist our students in learning technological skills that are crucial in their day-today learning. “It’s a great contribution to the school for the new school year, we are very grateful.” In addition to the computers, the foundation also collaborated with Beaches IT Manager Morlon Davidson and Flight Centre Canada’s IT department to install all the donated desktops and equip the machines with the latest application
TCI’s largest government high school gets 15 brand new Dell Desktop for the new school year
and antivirus software to ensure their durability. They also installed the donated wireless tower creating a wireless hotspot to ensure that the whole school is able to access wireless signal. The Sandals Foundation maintains that it is committed to continuing
their partnership with the school. The charity has already drafted a plan for the 2012/2013 school year aimed at enhancing the school. The first project on their agenda is to establish signage to display the school’s official name and repainting the famous mural at the entrance.
Across the Caribbean the Sandals Foundation has adopted a total of 27 schools with Clement Howell High as its latest addition. The foundation works closely to provide support and assistance to schools while working with parents, teachers and pupils of the community.
September 29 - October 5, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS 25
LAND FOR SALE In beautiful Bottle Creek, North Caicos
.46 acres overlooking the creek, spanning King Road and Windsor Road
QUICK SALE
CALL 232-3508, AFTER HOURS 332-6398
26
World News
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
September 29 - October 5, 2012
UK floods: Homes at risk as misery continues FLOODING misery is continuing as rising waters put thousands of people’s homes at risk around the UK. The wet weather is still causing chaos in many communities, with roads, rail and buildings affected. A block of flats in Newburn, Newcastle, is said to be close to collapse and Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, was split in two after a bridge was closed. Homes and businesses in York city centre were also flooded after the River Ouse burst its banks. Local people told the BBC the flooding could be the most severe in recent memory, however the Environment Agency said the river would not breach the city’s flood defences. There are still nearly 60 flood warnings - indicating flooding is expected - and more than 100 flood alerts - meaning flooding is possible - in England and Wales, and three flood alerts in Scotland. In Wiltshire, an 11-year-old boy is in a “potentially life-threatening condition” after being struck by lightning shortly after 15:00 BST. While in Newcastle, police branded looters “despicable” after a bicycle shop in a flood-hit community was raided while roads were blocked by water and silt. The Newburn flats’ foundations were badly damaged after heavy rain deluged the area. The flats have been evacuated. Mick Murphy, technical director of Newcastle City Council, said the Spencer Court flats were “extremely unstable” and they were waiting for a break in the weather so the damage
Christine Lagarde gave Argentina three months to produce reliable data.
IMF says Argentina faces ‘red card’ Thousands of people’s home are at risk around the UK.
could be assessed. “I have never seen anything like this in 33 years of civil engineering experience,” he said. Flooding is still causing problems for roads, rail and buildings, as the most intense September storm for 30 years continues. BBC weather forecasters said the heaviest rush-hour showers were seen in south-west England, circulating around low pressure over Torbay. They said they received reports of nearly 20mm (0.75ins) of rain falling over the course of an hour in some areas. In northern England, the A1 near Catterick and the A66 near Darlington remained closed. Assistant Chief Constable Iain Spittal, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “The flooding situation across North Yorkshire continues to cause problems, with roads and the transport network affected.
“We are seeing an improving picture in parts of Hambleton and Richmondshire, although we still have lots of roads closed and all the agencies are working hard to get the A1 open again. “However, the indication is that the A1 at Catterick will remain closed throughout the day with diversions in place.” Downing Street said there were currently “no plans” for meetings of Number 10’s Cobra emergency committee but the situation was “always kept under review”. The Local Government Association has called on the government to set up an emergency fund to help pay for millions of pounds of repairs to roads left in “disarray”. BBC weather forecaster Helen Willetts said the worst of the rainfall was over but the worry was that it was still running into river systems so there could be more flooding.
INTERNATIONAL Monetary Fund head Christine Lagarde has warned Argentina it could face sanctions unless it produces reliable growth and inflation data. Ms Lagarde gave Argentina until 17 December to address the problem. The IMF head said the fund had given Argentina a “yellow card” but it could face a red. Private economists say annual inflation in Argentina is at 24%, much higher than the official 10% figure. “We had to choose between the yellow card and the red card. We chose the yellow card. If no progress has been made, then the red card will be out,” she said. Speaking in Washington, Ms Lagarde said Argentina had been given three months to provide reliable estimates on growth and inflation. ‘Free country’ Analysts in Buenos Aires say the IMF has been adopting tougher language towards the government of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner. The IMF and Argentina have been
at odds over the figures since last year. Private sector economists say the government has ignored the growing pace of inflation. Last year, the authorities introduced measures restricting the purchase of US dollars. Memories among Argentinians of the days of rampant inflation in the 1980s and a devalued national currency are still vivid, correspondents say. If Argentina fails to meet IMF demands, it could face sanctions, lose voting rights and even be expelled from the organisation. “Argentina is good in football and it certainly understands what we are talking about,” said Ms Lagarde. Earlier, Ms Fernandez, who is visiting the United States this week, rejected claims that her country was facing economic disaster. And she sent a defiant message: “The rich countries don’t want partners or friends; they just want employees and subordinates.” “And we’re not going to be anybody’s employees or subordinates. We are a free country, with dignity and national pride.”
Trial date set for Brooks, Coulson in phone hacking case TWO former News of the World editors, Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson, were told Wednesday they will face trial in September next year over claims of phone hacking at the now-defunct tabloid newspaper. Brooks, Coulson and half a dozen other former News of the World managers and staffers accused of conspiring to hack voice mail messages remained free on bail after the hearing at London’s main criminal court. A proposed trial date was set at the Old Bailey for September 9, 2013. The phone hacking accusations have reverberated through the top levels of British politics and journalism and prompted a parliamentary committee to issue
damning criticism of Rupert Murdoch, whose News Corp. owned the News of the World through its UK subsidiary, News International. After the scandal, Murdoch stepped down from a string of company directorships and abandoned a multibillion-dollar bid to acquire satellite broadcaster BSkyB. Suspected hacking victims include some of the world’s biggest celebrities, including Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Jude Law, Paul McCartney and soccer star Wayne Rooney, as well as victims of crime and the July 7, 2005, London terrorist attacks. Brooks and Coulson were close to British Prime Minister David Cameron. Coulson, who edited the
News of the World from 2003 to 2007, went on to become Cameron’s director of communications before resigning early last year. Brooks was a friend of the prime minister and his wife. Brooks, formerly chief executive of News of the World’s parent company, News International, part of Murdoch’s News Corp. empire, also faces a charge of perverting the course of justice. But the most explosive charge against her is plotting in 2002 to eavesdrop illegally on the voice mail of missing British schoolgirl Milly Dowler, who was later found murdered. Public anger after the revelation last year that the missing girl’s phone
Rebekah Brooks has been charged in phone hacking scandal.
had been hacked forced Murdoch to close the News of the World, which Brooks edited at the time of the hacking. She then became editor of The Sun newspaper before taking up the chief executive role. Brooks, Coulson and fellow former News of the World employees Stuart Kuttner, Greg Miskiw, Ian Edmondson, Neville Thurlbeck and James Weatherup are accused of conspiring between
October 3, 2000, and August 9, 2006, “to intercept communications in the course of their transmission, without lawful authority.” Specifically, the charge asserts that they listened to “voice mail messages of well-known people.” Brooks, Coulson, Kuttner, Miskiw, Thurlbeck and Glenn Mulcaire face an additional charge of intercepting Dowler’s messages.
September 29 - October 5, 2012
World News
27
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Brazilian court orders Google Court upholds German Catholic exec’s arrest over online videos Church membership tax
A BRAZILIAN court has issued an arrest order for a Google official there, arguing that he violated the South American country’s election law when he didn’t respond to a request to take down YouTube videos that allegedly slandered a candidate for mayor in upcoming elections. The warrant from a judge in the southwest state of Mato Grosso do Sul accuses Fabio Jose Silva Coelho, Google’s president in Brazil, of “disobedience” for not removing YouTube videos about Alcides Bernal, who is running for mayor in the city of Campo Grande. The order also says Brazilian Internet service provider Embratel must block the Google-owned YouTube website in the city for 24 hours. A Google spokesman did not be immediately respond to a request for comment. In court documents, the company argues that it isn’t
responsible for the contents of the videos and asks for the case to be dismissed. Under Brazilian law, the penalty for disobeying a judge’s order could be up to six months in prison or a fine. Earlier this month, another company executive faced a similar order in the northern state of Paraiba for a video that allegedly slandered a mayoral candidate there. That case was dismissed after Google successfully convinced the judge that it was not responsible for the contents of the video, but simply provided a platform for its diffusion. In August, Facebook faced an order to remove a page criticizing a political candidate or be forced to go dark in the country for 24 hours. The judge in that case suspended his decision two days after it was issued. (CNN)
GERMANY’S Roman Catholics can only remain part of the Church if they pay a membership tax, a court has ruled. All Germans who are officially registered as Catholics, Protestants or Jews pay a religious tax of 8-9% on their annual income tax bill. This had been challenged by a retired law professor who said he wanted to remain a Catholic but not pay the tax. Last week, a new bishops’ decree warned that anyone not paying the tax would be denied the right to religious rites. The German church levy was introduced in 1803 in compensation for the nationalisation of religious property. In 2011, the Catholic Church received 5bn euros (£4bn; $6.4bn) and the Protestant Church 4.5bn euros from taxpayers, each adding up to the bulk of the churches’ income, the BBC’s Berlin correspondent Stephen Evans said. He added that this arrangement, whereby the state collects taxes on behalf of religious groups and then
German bishops said Catholics refusing to pay the Church tax would be denied religious burial.
reimburses them, was unusual in Western secular societies. ALARM OVER DECLINE Hartmut Zapp, a retired professor of church law, filed a legal challenge in 2007, arguing that under Catholic doctrine, Church membership was determined by a person’s beliefs and not by a financial relationship. (BBC)
US police gun down 83-year-old woman responding to 911 call she made Governor Brown arrived in one of Google’s driverless vehicles.
Driverless car bill is signed in California A bill to bring driverless cars to roads in California has been signed. State Governor Jerry Brown backed legislation on Tuesday, and said: “Today we’re looking at science-fiction becoming tomorrow’s reality”. The bill was signed at the headquarters of Google, which has been testing a fleet of 12 autonomous computer-controlled vehicles for several years. Google co-founder Sergey Brin said self-driving cars would be “far safer” than those driven by humans. Other manufacturers, including Audi, Ford and Volvo have also been experimenting with the technology. Emergency back-up The bill, drawn up by Senator Alex Padilla, will establish safety and performance regulations to test and operate the vehicles on roads across the state. It requires the California Department of Motor Vehicles to draft the regulations by 2015. A licensed driver would still be
required to sit behind the wheel, however, in order to provide back-up in an emergency. Google has said that it has logged more than 300,000 miles in its cars without an accident - although one of its vehicles was involved in a minor crash in summer 2011. The company said it was being driven manually at the time. “I think the self-driving car can really dramatically improve the quality of life for everyone,” Google co-founder Sergey Brin said, adding that he thought the vehicles would be commercially available within the decade. ‘DARN DRIVERLESS CARS’ The cars are powered and controlled using a combination of sensors, location tracking and on-board computing power to drive the vehicle safely. Other less ambitious autonomous driving functions are already in use across the car industry - such as guided parking and adaptive cruise control.
A POLICE officer shot and killed an 83-year-old woman in her own backyard. Delma Towler dialed 911 to report a burglary but when police arrived, one officer killed her outside her home in Altavista, Va. “It’s not over yet. I’m going to get some justice because our mother did not deserve to die like this ... to be gunned down like she was an animal or a criminal,” Towler’s daughter Linda Langford told The News and Advance. Towler had never fired her gun before that night. She fired a warning shot out the window to scare the burglar off. Then she started walking through her backyard toward her sister’s house. She grasped the gun for protection from the reported intruder - not the police, her family maintains. The police “heard shots fired from within the residence. As the officers took cover, they saw a woman armed with a handgun leave the back of the house,” according to a statement released by the Virginia State Police. The two responding officers claim that they fired Towler after she refused to put her weapon down. The woman reportedly did not have her glasses on or hearing aid in at the time. The police statement also alleges that Towler pointed her gun at the officers — a point her son Robert
Delma Towler was walking through her backyard carrying her handgun when police shot and killed her.
Barbour does not buy. “Mom ain’t gonna hurt no police officer or nobody else. She was a good Christian woman and she wouldn’t hurt a soul,” Barbour said. The officer who killed Towler is currently on administrative leave, according to WDBJ7. “If I have to spend every penny, someone’s going to pay,” said Langford. “They took my mama.” (Nydailynews.com)
Pfc. Patrick Edward Myers, 27, was charged on Tuesday with manslaughter.
Soldier charged with manslaughter after trying to cure another of hiccups A SOLDIER trying to scare another soldier out of hiccups shot his comrade in the face, killing him, authorities said Tuesday. Both soldiers, joined by a third man, were drinking alcohol and watching football at the time of the Sunday night incident, authorities said. “The victim had the hiccups. The suspect pulled out a gun to scare him in order to stop the hiccups,” said spokesman Carroll Smith of the Killeen, Texas, Police Department. Pfc. Patrick Edward Myers, 27, was charged on Tuesday with manslaughter, and Justice of the Peace Garland Potvin set his bond at $1 million, police said. Killed was Pfc. Isaac Lawrence Young, 22, of Ash Grove, Missouri, a motor transport operator at the Army base, the military said. Young entered active duty in May 2011 and arrived at Fort Hood in October 2011, the Army said. Myers is a soldier at the base, as was Young at the time of his death, said Fort Hood spokesman Chris Haug. Police responded to a shooting shortly after 10 p.m. Sunday and found a man shot in the face and two other men at the residence, Killeen police said.
28
Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate
Classifieds
Brama Kumaris
Raja Yoga FOR RENT
3-bedroom apartment $1100.00 per month it will be available May 1st.
contact: 946-4664
September 29 - October 5, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
946-4664 Fax: 946-4661
Email: tcnews@tciway.tc
Website: tcweeklynews.com
ALBERT HIGGS Is looking for a
Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands
Telephone 946-4760 & 332-4101 www.bkwsu.com Email: bkwsu@tciway.tc
FOR SALE
Labourer
to work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.
Contact: 243-7785
7264
Construction scaffold and roof tiles for sale CONTACT: 431-1591 OR 231-3788
September 29 - October 5, 2012 GENESIS AUTO MOBILE REPAIRS
HOLTON WILLIAMS
2 Labourers
Labourer
Labourer To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.
Contact: 246-1721
7228
7210
Is looking for
Is looking for a
Mechanic
Contact: 649-241-4156
PROVO BEVERAGE
KET’S COMPUTER SERVICES
Is looking for a
Is seeking a
With the ability to do vehicle electrical, fault and hydraulic systems diagnostics. Must be available for 24 hours roadside assistance and onsite repairs. Must have 10 years experience and computer with programs for diagnostic analysis. Salary $12.00 per hour
CLASSIFIEDS 29
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
BRIC’S ACADEMY
Needed Bonded Warehouse facility requires a labourer for general cleaning, maintenance and operation of equipment. Salary: Starting $5:50 per hour for 40 hour work-week.
Contact: Cargo Express at 70 South Dock Road. Fax: 941-5525 or leave application at front desk. Application deadline: October 5, 2012
7239
MY DEE’S NORTH CAICOS Is looking to fill the following positions:
is looking for
Domestic
Worker
Sales Clerk 3 Labourers
To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour contact: 941-2450
Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.
Send resumes to fax: 649-946-7311 7230
7244
POSITION AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY 11TH OCTOBER, 2012
Cosmetologist With over 5 years experience in all types of nails, hands and feet care services. Applicants experience must include working in the Tourist Sector. Wages $300 per week plus commission scheme. The successful applicant must be a team player and highly motivated to excel.
For an interview or appointment phone Sandy Lightbourne at 231-1092 Mon to Fri between hrs of 10am and 5pm. Resumes and references required. Applications would be considered from Belongers only and must be received by 28th September, 2012.
7240
Carib Glass & Supplies Ltd. Is looking for:
Glass Technician / Installer • You must have good sound all round knowledge of window and door installation, maintenance and repairs. • Able to read construction and installation drawings a must. • Possess current driver’s license a must. • Must be fluent in English to read, write and speak. On occasion you will be req. to converse with clients- architects, contractors, and customers • Able to cut/ polish glass is an important requirement as is the need to work as a
team player. • Applicants must be prepared to work on other islands for possibly a few days to a week at a time occasionally. This is not an application for a work permit, but a genuine job offer to the right person’s who has the skills and knowledge required to join our team. Trainee: We are also looking for a trainee to learn all aspects of the glass business.
If you think you may be the person we are looking for either of the positions, please stop by the Glass Shack with a copy of your résumé and have a chat with us.
7231
Computer Technician
Must be able to work 5 days per week salary $6.00.
contact: 244-7130
7242
Must be willing to work 6 days per week. Must be trustworthy and reliable. Salary $5.00 per hour. Hours are from 8:00am4:00pm
Contact: Serge Tuyssuzia at fax: 941-3637
7236
Amazing Value! Lot for Sale
In Gated/Planned Community in Long Bay. Flamingo Crossing lot comes with full set of House Plans, all underground utilities, etc.
$49,999 o.b.o. Call 231-3788
PRICE SLASHED $175,000
30 CLASSIFIEDS
PROVO DISCOUNT PHARMACY Is seeking one
Sales Clerk Salary $5.00 per hour.
Richmond Hill Preparatory School
TEACHERS NEEDED Primary School College- trained teachers with a minimum
of 8 years experience. Applicants must possess a first degree or higher and be creative and hardworking SALARY NEGOTIABLE
1 Janitor/Cleaner
to clean bathrooms and classrooms 5 days per week Salary $5 per hour Contact :
Richmond Hill Prep. School 6 Richmond Hill Road Providenciales. 946-4957
Applications must be in no later than October 1, 2012
7237
Contact: 649-946-4844
NOTICE The business establishment located west and adjacent to T.C. Gas, formerly known as Kerry’s Mechanic Shop, has on its property many abandoned vehicles, boat trailers and miscellaneous personal items, some of these items have been there as long as 7 years The general public is hereby notified that these items will be sold for unpaid rent
Please contact: 231-4949 or 232-6969 for further information
CARIB GAMING LTD. is seeking two (2)
Seasoned Slot Machine Technicians Must have experience of at least 2 years salary negotiable. For further inquiries please Contact: Mr. Williams 332-6364
NATURE SPLENDOR LTD. Is seeking a
Gardener Must have the following skills: • Landscaping installation • Garden irrigation • Garden maintenance Salary commences at $6.00 per hour QUALIFIED PERSON PLEASE SUBMIT APPLICATION TO: The Director P.O. Box 417, Providenciales
September 29 - October 5, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
ALBERT SMITH Is looking for a
Domestic
Worker To work 6 days per week salary $25.00 per day.
7111
contact: 245-1029
7258
VACANCY
FINANCIAL CONTROLLER Applications are invited for the position of Financial Controller Requirements: • Minimum of 10 years working experience in the Financial Services Industry with a minimum of 7 years at a senior management level. • Strong corporate background in the development and implementation of strategic plans. • Bachelor’s degree in accounting or CPA/ACCA qualified Experience in the following areas will be a significant advantage: Banking Operations, Regulatory Reporting, Strategic Financial Planning and Corporate Restructurings Belongers need only apply.
Please Submit Detailed Application to: P.O. Box 270 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
7248
7243
7238
ISLAND VILLA MANAGEMENT Is seeking qualified applicants to fill the following opening for our clients:
LEW & JAN CONSTRUCTION Is looking for a
Housekeeper Duties: Laundry, making beds, cleaning of all the rooms etc. Must have at least 3 years experience in this area. Persons must be able to read and write English. Must be willing to work weekends and public holidays. Salary $5.50 per hour
Contact: 946-4445 7223
Labourer To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.
contact: 231-7317
The Venetian Resort is looking for a
Gardner To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour Contact: (649) 941-3512
7235
QUICK SALE House and ½ Acre land Richmond Hill
1 Bedroom 1 Bath Fully furnished
Call: 231-3788
Is looking for a
OCEANVIEW BEAUTY SALON Is looking for the following persons:
LABOURER
To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour must be punctual, dedicated and trustworthy.
contact: 342-6268 7166
Domestic Worker
Labourer
Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour
Contact: 232-5443
7266
A & G ELECTRICAL Is looking for an
COOK
Electrical Technician to work 6 days per week salary commensurate with experience must be dedicated, self motivated,10 years experience in electrical installation work
7272
Is looking for an
EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN
• Electronic troubleshooting, Hyundai construction equipment, case construction equipment, hydraulics • Must be able to speak French would be an asset • Minimum of 15 years experience in machinery • Need to have computer and programs
Contact: 245-2897
Is seeking 1
WALKIN’S SERVICE STATION Is looking for a
DOMESTIC WORKER
Cashier To work 6 days per week. Salary range $5 - $7 per hour. Please contact the manager at our Leeward Highway store or
call 961-3145
7263
7273
• Proper care and cleaning skills • Any other duties as may be assigned in regard to general cleaning
• Must be willing to work weekends, evenings & holidays • Must be available 6 nights per week • Must speak English • Must have clean police record • Salary $6.00 per hour Closing date for application is October 18th, 2012 Belongers only
Please send all applications to P.O. Box 543
Call 331-6762 for an interview
Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Ltd. of Cherokee Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands: Central Grand Turk, comprising of a two storey residence with a single one bedroom one bathroom guest unit located on the ground floor. The upper floor comprises of two bedrooms with two large walk in closets, one bathroom and a laundry closet. Registered Proprietor: Kendle Berdette Williams and Tanya Doreen Cox
2. Parcel 10104/42,
Requirements: • Self-motivators • Able to understand and speak English fluently • Able to work with little or no supervision • Physically fit, dependable and hardworking Salary starting $5.00 per hour Deadline for applications is October 22, 2011
Lighthouse Road, North Suburbs, Grand Turk, comprising of a single storey residence containing four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen, living and dining room, and utility closet. Registered Proprietor: Lorraine Marcella Elizabeth –Ann Kenlock -Bovell and Weston Edward Livingston Bovell
Contact: George Walkin 231-6167
3. Parcel 60604/17
REGISTERED LAND ORDINANCE, CAP 72
NOTICE LOST LAND CERTIFICATE TITLE NUMBER 60801/4
DISHWASHER / KITCHEN HELPER
1. Parcel 10308/42
7229
Provo
• Must have 5 years experience on the line with Italian cuisine • Must be willing to work weekends, evenings & holidays • Must be available 6 nights per week • Must speak, read and write English • Must work well with others and work well under pressure • Must have clean police record • Salary $8.00 per hour
NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION
EXPRESS EQUIPMENT LTD.
JSMA LTD./Price Club
GTC LIMITED/ BELLA LUNA
SECTION THE BIGHT & THOMAS STUBBS
7262
KEVIN GORDON
CLASSIFIEDS 31
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Norway and Five Cays Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residence containing four bedrooms, two and a half baths, a kitchen, living and dining room. The house provides good elevation giving excellent views towards the ocean. Registered Proprietor: Timothy Moriah Nash and Delores Oleta RigbyNash
4. Parcel 10409/96
East Suburbs Grand Turk, comprising of a single storey residence containing three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living and dining room. Registered Proprietor: Vanessa Denise Forbes
5. Parcel 60503/123
Blue Hills & Stamers Run Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residence containing four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, living and dining room with exterior patio. Registered Proprietor: Vylma Patricia Scriven Williams
ISLAND PROVIDENCIALES
6. Parcel 60900/170
Whereas, Attorney PAUL DEMPSEY on behalf of HILTON CURTIS TAYLOR, has declared that the Land Certificate for the above mentioned title number(s) registered in his/her/ their name was inadvertently mislaid and cannot be found.
Leeward Going Through Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residential building with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, living and dining room. There is a two car garage, fencing and an entrance gate to the front of the property. Registered Proprietor: Floyd Lyndon Ingham and Cherrie Romayne Ingham
Take notice that I, Alun Rees Registrar of Lands, shall issue a new land certificate for the said title within six weeks of the date of the first publication of this Notice in a local newspaper and the Gazette.
The auction will be held at the offices of Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited, Grace Bay Branch, Providenciales at 10 o’clock in the morning on Friday the 5th day of October 2012
Dated this 5th day of September 2012
A reserve price will be fixed on all parcels. A deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids.
Signed…………………………………. Registrar of Lands Witnessed…………………………….. 7232
Terms and Conditions of Sale by Auction are available by request from Scotiabank Collections Department (649) 946-4750 Ext 275.
7245
September 29 - October 5, 2012
32 CLASSIFIEDS
Executive Tours Ltd
Is looking for a
Pool & Beach Attendant Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary commensurate with experience.
Send resumes to: atlanticconsultancy@hotmail.com
Airport Road, Providenciales Telephone 946 4524
J & W Construction Providenciales Telephone 231-4519
7222
Salary starts at $5.50 per hour. Only Turks Islanders need to apply.
Salary starts at $5.50 per hour. Only Turks Islanders need to apply.
7249
HAIRDRESSER
Needed to work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour email info@ misickstanbrook.tc or fax:
DUTIES INCLUDE: • Manual Silk Screen
Commercial Manager ICCSCO is recruiting for the above position. Belongers are encouraged to apply. The Successful candidate should:• Possess a suitable qualification in building or quantity surveying • Have a minimum of 20 years experience a senior level within the construction industry of which at least 10 years in a management capacity. • Have a minimum of 10 years experience within the health care environment • Have worked on at least one public private partnership scheme • Gave extensive knowledge of the common forms of building contract (FIDIC, JCT, as a minimum) as well as the forms of project agreement used in public private partnerships and have worked in the international market in at least two differing locations for not less than 5 years. • Be prepared to travel to different locations at the discretion of the company both inside and outside the Caribbean. • Have extensive experience of building claims and be able to demonstrate thei4r ability to deal with these with minimal supervision. • The ability to prepare extensive financial reports and present these to the main board • Have interpersonal skills of a level suitable to deal effectively with very senior executives both internally and externally. • Deal effectively and in a proactive manner with all contract communications. The salary will be dependant on qualifications and experience.
Please send a CV by email to llawrence@ interhealthcanada.tc ensuring a contact email and telephone number is included. The closing date is 28th September 2012
7275
Remuneration: $12.00 per hour plus commission
INTERHEALTH CANADA CONSTRUCTION SERVICES COMPANY (ICCSCO)
To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.
contact: 347-6334
Electrician
• Office and computer • Must be available to work design Skills (MS Office and long hours, weekends • In-depth knowledge of Photoshop) and holidays especially materials from screen during the season
Position available immediately Contact: Albert 649-242-4548 for more information
Barber PROVO ELECTRIC
Is looking for an
ASSISTANT GALLERY MANAGER QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE • Post secondary degree in printing Printing arts or related discipline • Impeccable customer • Customer Service • Minimum 10 years service skills • Art Painting experience in silks screen • Liasing with suppliers • Art Instruction printing and customers • Bookkeeping • Commercial painting and
ALEX HIGGS Is looking for a
BUS LABOURER DRIVER 7248
WEST BAY CLUB
MW LTD.
September 29 - October 5, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
649-946-4734
SUNSHINE EQUIPMENT
Supervisor Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
Resumes can be faxed to 9413425 and the Labour Department Providenciales as soon as possible 7274
7277
Position available at JSMS LTD. / PRICE CLUB
MANAGER
Candidate must have at least 10-12 years experience in the field or in a related areas Must have through knowledge of the following: • Advanced knowledge and skills in computer systems, most specifically QuickBooks Pro 2007, Microsoft Excel, Inventory Control Management • Extensive knowledge of SMS Front & Back Office POS System • Extensive knowledge of NCR 7456 POS • Plans and directs the day-to-day operations of a grocery store • Develops strategies to improve customer service, drive store sales and increase profitability • Ensures customer need are met, complaints are resolved and service is quick and efficient • Forecasts staffing needs and develops a recruiting strategy to provide optimal staffing in all areas • Familiar with a variety of the field’s concepts, practices and procedures relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals • Candidate must be multilingual • Work schedule will include weekends, holidays as required to meet the demands of the position Salary $3,000.00 per month Only Belongers need to apply Interested persons should send resume to
priceclub@alliedcaribbean.com, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Fax: 649-946-4677
7254
September 29 - October 5, 2012
PENTACOSTAL RESTORATION CENTER is looking for a
CLASSIFIEDS 33
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
VACANCIES Parrot Cay Resort and COMO Shambhala have vacancies for the following positions:
Domestic
Worker to work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour
contact: 232-3037 or 242-5221 7265
WARD CONSULTANCY Acting on behalf of our clients: WBC, West Bay Club, Brid Benjamin, AND Construction and Bottom Up
Domestic Worker Mason Labourer Cook Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $5.00-$7.00 per hour.
contact: 345-7512 7247
REYCHELLE NAIL STUDIO Is looking to fill the following positions:
Managerial Positions:
Revenue Manager
We are looking for a highly self-motivated individual with exceptional communications skills who has professional managerial experience in Revenue and Reservations Management. The successful candidate must also have the ability to prepare and conduct training for all employees under his/ her supervision within the field. Responsibilities: • Completes the weekly Forecasting reports. • Prepare department Budget and must be able to generate revenue from room sales and international marketing. • Completes the Month End report (including the Star Report) • Weekly payroll, scheduling and training. • Personally handle VIP reservations. • Conduct property tours and site inspections • Coaching, productivity counseling and Motivation for all reservations employees. • Responds to and follows through on all reservations made via res & res2 • Responds to and follows through on all reservations made via GDS. • Monitors hotel availability Opera as well as extranets. • Processes all travel agent commissions monthly • Responds to and follows through on all phone inquires as needed. • Trains new Reservation Agents upon arrival in the department • Assists on special projects as needed. Qualification and Experience • At least 8yrs international experience within the field Revenue and Reservations Management with a Five Star Resort environment. • At least 5 yrs hospitality experience at Managerial levels • Thorough knowledge of COMO Resorts to maximize the selling of property to travel agents, tour operators and general inquires • Strong customer and guest service oriented demeanor with all external liaisons to include, but not limit to travel agents, tour operators, and potential guests • Working knowledge of opera system version 5, computers and Microsoft office suite with proficiency in excel and word. • Well organized with great written and verbal communication skills • Outgoing personality with excellent interpersonal skills, comfortable speaking and enjoy working with people. The successful candidate will be required to reside on Parrot Cay and must be willing to work long hours including Public holidays and Weekends.
• Monitors advance reservation deposit procedure. • Responds to positive and negative comments expressed in comment cards and develops strategies to improve comment card result • Prepares reports as requested to develop a more informative database for applicable decision making. • Maintains statistics on rooms and reservation, customer arrivals and departure, average occupancy rates, and related information. • Establish and maintain operation standards. Initiates new procedures to increase efficiency, productivity and maximum guest comfort and satisfaction. • Preparation of annual budget; assures department operates within approval budget. • Ensure effective manning at all times to maximize productivity and business demands. • Perform all aspects of personnel and training functions, including hiring, performance appraisals, counseling, coaching, disciplinary action, monitor performance, etc. • Ensure and maintain a very high standard of personal hygiene, behavior and grooming standards of all colleagues. • Handle and respond to guest complaints and comments relating to the department tactfully. Qualification and Experience: • Full knowledge of the Hospitality Industry, accounting background and able to train and evaluate in those areas. • At least 3yrs professional Front Office Managerial experience in a Five Star Resort Operation • Strong managerial, leadership, communication and organizational skills • Must be able to handle multiple priorities and be able to work in a fast paced environment. • Working knowledge of opera system version 5, computers and Microsoft office suite with proficiency in excel and word. This position requires applicant to Reside on Parrot Cay and must be able to work public holidays, long hours and weekends.
OTHER MANAGERIAL POSITIONS • • • •
Director of Food and Beverage Executive Assistant Room Division Manager Head Butler Executive Housekeeper
Kindly contact the Human Resources Department for an in-depth detailed copy of the job description for the above positions. Job Requirement:
Nail
Assistant Front Office Manager
Technician Contact: 344-4540
7246
Salary $5.50 per hour Barber salary $8.50 per hour.
LABOURER Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour send resumes to: info@ misickstanbrook.tc
7277
Duties and Responsibilities includes, achieving customer satisfaction and room revenue goals by supervising the Front Office operation. The successful candidate must: • Ensures that utilizing business forecasts to schedule employees staffs the Front Desk appropriately. • Responsible for the efficiency and profitable functioning of the Front Office Department which includes Front Desk, Guest History, Concierge and Telecommunication. • Motivate all Front Office colleagues to up‐sell rooms and achieve higher average room rate. Maximize room revenue and occupancy by effectively maximizing yield and excel in room up‐selling and other revenue centers. • Oversees and participates in the prompt and courteous check –in and checkout of customers. • Address questions or problems pertaining to customer room accommodation rates. • Aids in planning for meeting and special events by meeting with individual customers and convention representatives.
Candidates interested in the above positions will be required to work long hours, reside on property and are expected to work during the night, weekends and Public Holidays.
OTHER POSITIONS:
Yoga Teacher Chef de Partie Line Chef Housekeeping Supervisor Private Estates Supervisor Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant Commis Chef Demi Chef Pastry Chef Sous Chef Junior Sous Chef Butler Resort Butler Massage Therapist Recreation Attendant Spa Attendant Spa Therapist Water Sports Instructor Food & Beverage Server Turndown Attendant Room Attendant
Salaries for these positions will be paid base on qualification and experience. Please note that all application must be submitted with a valid Police Record, two reference letters from previous employers or a notary public and current educational certificates. Only suitable candidates will be contacted for an interview. Forward your resume to the Human Resources Department at the following address:
Parrot Cay Resort and COMO Shambhala P.O. Box 164. Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Ph: (649) 946 7788, Fax: (649) 946 7749 Email: Careers.parrotcay@comohotels.com
7246
34 CLASSIFIEDS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
September 29 - October 5, 2012
September 29 - October 5, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
PUBCO LTD.
CLASSIFIEDS 35
SOMERSET STRATA MANAGEMENT CO. LTD. The Somerset Strata organization is seeking suitable qualified Belongers who possess the requirements listed are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates should possess luxury resort experience, be professional in attitude and demeanor and must read and speak English fluently.
Is looking to fill the following positions:
GENERAL MANAGER • 5 years bar and restaurant managing experience • Proficient in Micros POS with extensive knowledge of configuration • Efficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint • Accounting skills and general knowledge of QuickBooks • Extensive experience and training in Marketing • Positive and upbeat attitude • Effective communications skills • Capable of multitasking • Ability to work until 4am, weekends and holidays Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
POOL ATTENDANT Responsibilities: • Inspect swimming pool, deck, mechanical equipments, etc. for the purpose of ensuring that it is suitable for safe operation • Maintain the swimming pool area, including proper chemical and PH rate for the purpose of complying with mandated safety and health requirements • Perform preventative maintenance on pool equipment such as cleaning filters, changing oil on vacuum or gas pumps, and greasing equipment
ASSISTANT MANAGER • 3 years bar and restaurant managing experience • Team player with excellent written and verbal communication skills • Experience in inventory control measures • Knowledge in Micros POS System & Manager functions • Knowledge of QuickBooks • Capable of multitasking • Self motivated with outgoing personality • Ability to work until 4am, weekends and holidays Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: • Must be a team player with a desire to deliver excellent customer service to our guest • Must have clear English communications skills (written or oral) • Previous experience in this area would be an asset
Email resumes to: mg4dav@yahoo.com
7257
NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd., The Temple Financial Centre, Providenciales HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that it will cause to be sold by public auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks & Caicos Islands:
1. Parcel No.20502/212,
Ambergris & Fish Cay, Turks & Caicos Islands. This property Comprises of private residential land only. The property is an oceanfront lot located on the private island of Ambergris. Registered Proprietors: Jarrod Scott Benton & Sarah Jane Benton.
2. Parcel No.60602/133,
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands. The property comprises of approximately 1 Acre of Land over looking the Providenciales International Airport. Registered Proprietor: Gilbert Fitzroy Selver
3. Parcel No.60717/99,
Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands This is an Ocean view, lake front property with direct views of the south shore via Turtle Lake. This property is approximately 1 acre and is situated approximately 40 feet above sea level, with direct access to the Venetian Road and Leeward Highway. Registered Proprietor: Distinctive Properties Ltd.
4. Parcel No.60504/121
Blue Hills & Stamer Run, Providenciales. This property Comprises of two apartment buildings, a single storey building and a two storey building with approximately 8 units in total. Registered Proprietor: Wellington Walkin The auction will be held at 11:45 a.m. Friday 12th October 2012 at the offices of Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd., Temple Financial Centre, Leeward Highway, Providenciales. Conditions of sale may be obtained from Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd., The Temple Financial Centre, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, telephone (649) 946-5293, fax (649) 946-5289. Interested persons may bid by way of sealed tender delivered not later than 4:00 p.m. Thursday, October 11, 2012 addressed to Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd., Temple Financial Centre, Leeward Highway, Providenciales clearly marked “ AUCTION BIDOCTOBER October 12TH 2012.” Should the bid meet the reserve price and constitute the highest offer, the property will be considered sold to the person making the bid. Note that a 10% deposit is required immediately from the successful bidder at the auction.
Note that Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd. accepts no responsibility in respect of the receipt or otherwise of sealed bids and prospective purchasers are encouraged to ensure safe delivery of sealed bids to Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd. in good time and further to attend at the auction to ensure that the bid is properly made.
7276
Salary for this position will commensurate with qualifications and experience Qualified Belonger candidates are requested to submit a CV by e-mail to:
Aleisa Musgrove Strata Operations Manager The Somerset Resort on Grace Bay amusgrove@thesomerset.com Submissions for this job position should be received no later than October 14th, 2012
7271
36 CLASSIFIEDS
September 29 - October 5, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Charming Changes and Natural Wellness Products presents an
Awesome Autumn Special!!!! PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LTD. requires four (4) qualified ACA, ACCA, CPA or ACMA for audit senior roles experience in audit required salary range: $40,000-$50,000 per annum apply to: joseph.p.connolly@tc.pwc. com or telefax: 649-946-4892 no later than October 16th, 2012 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands
(Exclusive Distributor for SliMor + Acai, SliMor, SliMax, FenuMor, MultiMor, Colonex, Nutricin, Mas Xtreme and Passion Power) AVAILABLE AT THESE STORES
Providenciales Miss Moonies 24Hrs Supermarket (Juba Sound) Graceway IGA Supermarket (Leeward Highway) Best 4 Less Liquor Store (Grace Bay) Grace Bay Pharmacy (Neptune Plaza) Flamingo Pharmacy (Graceway Plaza) Island Pharmacy (Menzies Building) NHIP Pharmacy ( Lightbourn’s Plaza) Sunset Pharmacy Plus (Royal Palm Plaza) Seaview Provo (Rock Plaza) Northside Quick Stop (Blue Hills) Naeo’s Smart ( Five Cays Road) Pumpy’s Bar (Five Cays Road)
941-6664 941-5000 343-6433 946-8242 941-4527 946-4150 941-7790 941-3751 941-3650 242-8509
Grand Turk Dot’s Food Fair (Pond Street) Grace Bay Pharmacy( Cee’s Plaza) Ruth’s Beauty Salon ( Backsalina) Bridging The Gap Professional Services (Moxey Folly) South Caicos Kisa Services (Stubbs Road) Sunset Café & Grill (Opposite Dock Landing) North Caicos T’s Grocery Store (Bottle Creek) Scorpio XIV Bar (Kew) Petro Mart (Sandy Point) Charmaine Clarke (Sandy Point)
946-2324 946-1266 946-2294 946-2899
946-7284 241-7651 946-7284 231-3919
7283
BEEN CONSULTANCY SERVICES Is looking for the following persons on behalf of our clients:
VACANCIES Applications are invited from suitably qualified applicants to fill the following positions:-
Meat Manager This person is responsible for the day to day management of the Supermarket Meat Merchandising Programs. Main Duties and Requirements include: • Supervising the daily operations of the meat department • Responsible for pricing, displaying, ordering, and inventory control within the Department. • Following approved Meat Department plans for effective space management based on movement, consumer demand and profitability. • Shall control inventory to minimize out-of-stock and overstocks, and to maximize sales. • Maintaining a good sanitary working environment at all times, • Training and development of employees and preparing weekly schedules based on projected sales, volume and work load. • Continuously improving and expanding product offerings in the meat department. • At least four (4) years in Supermarket retail management and a Bsc in Food Service Management are required. Salary Range: $40,000.00 $50,000.00 per annum
Retail Floor Manager This position is responsible for the management of the supermarket’s retail operations. Main duties and requirements include: • Over ten (10) years experience in Supermarket Retail with a minimum of five years in a managerial position to include management of individual departments. • Strong character reference from known individuals in the supermarket industry • Excellent people skills, including the ability to teach and train staff. • Must have computer knowledge in areas such as Microsoft Excel and Inventory management programs. • Proficient in the understanding of retail and wholesale accounting and good business practices related to documentation and record keeping. • Skilled in ordering methods and practices for inventory
control. • Ability to utilize computer systems/information for improved operational results. • Strong current product knowledge of the retail industry and knowledge of Supermarket facility management. • Will be required to work nights, long hours, weekends, and holidays.
THE WINDSONG RESORT Is looking to fill the following positions:
4 Domestic Workers 2 Laborers 2 Pilipino Cooks 1 Sales Person 1 Handyman 1 Kitchen Helper 1 Bartender 2 Hairstylists Applicants must be willing to work with little or no supervision
Bartenders
Contact: 649-343-8659
Contact: 941-7700
7281
Cooks Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
7260
Salary range $45,000.00 – $55,000.00 per annum
Loss Prevention Officer This position is responsible for conducting continuous surveillance to detect and prevent merchandise loss within the supermarket retail operations. Main duties and requirements include: • Ensue all security procedures and security surveillance are in place to detect, minimize and or eliminate shoplifters and or other theft offense within the store environment. • As required, shall conduct in-dept investigations into suspected case (s) of fraud and theft. • Shall conduct routine inspections of the store both internal and external grounds to maintain physical security and protection of assets. • Must apprehend dishonest individuals and shoplifters and turn them in to the local police department for criminal proceedings. • This position will work in collaboration with Local Law Enforcement Agencies to apprehend and eliminate in-store theft at all operation levels. • At least five (5) years experience and credentials in security surveillance is required. • Must be able to handle difficult situations with fairness, respect and diplomacy. • Maintain good communication with staff members, associates and the management team. • Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations. • Must demonstrate the ability to work effectively with staff and management to achieve the department / store desired results. • Must be able to work varied hours / days, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Salary ranges from $30, 000.00 – 36,000.00 per annum
Deadline for submission of applicants is October 8th 2012
Submit to: Grace way IGA Supermarket main office complex or email: hr@gracewayiga.com Please Note: Only short-listed applicants will be contacted to attend interviews.
ALBERTA PRATT Is looking for a
Gardener to work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. Contact: 244-6900
7280
TWO LABOURERS NEEDED to work 5-6 days per week will be required to assist in all areas of construction including removal of debris and working with concrete salary $7.00 per hour.
contact Southern Construction at 231-6089
September 29 - October 5, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
CLASSIFIEDS 37
KEYSE’S VARIETY STORE Is looking for a
Sales Person To work 7 days per week salary $5.00 per hour
contact: 941-3016 or email: keysevariety@hotmail.com 7289
PROFESSIONAL CONCIERGE SERVICES Is looking for a
Labourer To work 5 days contact: 246-4556
7285
per week salary $5.00 per hour. C & J EMPLOYMENT
Acting on behalf of our clients: C&P Welding, North Caicos Café, C&J Variety, Jacqueline Smith, Sweet T’s Restaurant, ERB Construction
3 Domestic Workers 4 Laborers 3 Kitchen Helpers Contact: 941-8382
7279
PASSION FOR FASHION BOUTIQUE Is looking for a
Sales Person To work 6 days per week 10am-6pm salary $6.00 per hour.
contact: 9465544 or 245-7961 7286
JOP OPPORTUNITIES The Sands is now accepting applications/resume for the following positions. Only highly self-driven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, whom have the desire to serve others, need apply:
HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR
RESERVATIONS / SALES AGENT
Responsibilities: • Ensures maximum efficiency in the performance of Housekeeping staff in guest rooms and surrounding areas • Familiarizes him / herself with and carries out the policies and procedures of the Sands at Grace Bay. • Offers all possible assistance to guests, initiates corrective action on complaints regarding guest cleanliness and servicing of guest rooms. • Evaluates and periodically updates the Executive Housekeeper about the performance of Housekeeping staff. Recommends appropriate action such as disciplining and commendation.
Responsibilities: • Handle incoming reservations, utilize up selling and value-added techniques • Process advance deposits • Process all electronic and faxed requests • Perform job functions with attention to detail, speed and accuracy • Be able to prioritize and organize incoming and outgoing work flow • Be a clear thinker, remaining calm and resolving problems using good judgment • Follow directions thoroughly • Understand guest service and request needs • Work cohesively with co-workers as part of a team • Work with minimal supervision • Maintain confidentiality of guest information and pertinent hotel data
Requirements: • High school diploma • Must have supervised a minimum of 15 employees • Most work tasks are performed indoors and outdoors. Temperature is moderate and controlled by hotel environmental systems • Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 3 hours in length • Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. on a regular and continuing basis • Must be able to push and pull carts and equipment weighing up to 200 lbs. on a regular and continuing basis • Must be able to exert well-paced ability in limited space • Must be able to bend, stoop, squat and stretch to fulfill cleaning tasks • Must have minimum of 3 years supervisory experience in the Hotel/Resort and/or Hospitality Industry • Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace • Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process • Requires excellent communication skills, both verbal and written • Must possess basic computational ability (word, excel, outlook)
COMMON AREA ATTENDANT Responsibilities: • Vacuum carpets, empty wastebaskets, clean ashtrays, and transport other trash and waste to disposal areas • Sweep, scrub and clean, wax, and/or polish floors, using brooms, mops, and/or high-power scrubbing and waxing machines • Dust and polish furniture and equipment • Keep walkways, stairs, and all other public spaces maintained. • Clean restroom areas and replace paper products • Wash windows • Clean and maintain the common areas of the Resort to meet property standards • Must be able to stand on ladders • Must be able to use cleaning chemicals with proper applicable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements: • High School Diploma or equivalent • Must be detail oriented with good organizational skills • Familiarity with applying and using cleaning products and equipment as well as cleaning techniques • Moderate physical effort (lift/carry, push or pull up to 40 lbs) • Frequent lifting, pushing of supplies and equipment • Must be able to exert well-paced ability in limited space • Prolonged standing, walking, reaching, stooping, bending and kneeling • Must be able to work independently and follow instructions regarding priorities of tasks or functions • Must learn and apply The Sands standards of cleanliness and maintenance of all common areas inside and outside. • Must be able to speak, read, write and comprehend the primary language(s) used in the workplace • Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written
Requirements: • High school diploma • Must have experience in the Hotel/Resort and/or Hospitality Industry • Visual One/Opera experience is highly preferred • Must be able to type more than 40 words per minute • Strong Grammar, Reading and Writing Skills • Must have great Customer Service Skills and telephone etiquette • Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace. • Must possess basic computational ability (basic mathematics, word, excel, outlook)
FRONT OFFICE AGENT Responsibilities: • Consistent and professional operation of the switchboard • Provide prompt, efficient, professional check in and check out • Accurately complete guest reservations as required • Accurately answer all guest inquiries • To be aware of all packages and special rates offered by the property • Have a good understanding of sister properties • Have a strong understanding of area and activities and services • Perform other tasks as assigned • Work cohesively with co-workers as part of a team • Maintain confidentiality of guest information and pertinent hotel data Requirements: • High school diploma • Must have experience in the Hotel/Resort and/or Hospitality Industry a minimum of 1 to 3 years combined experience preferred • Visual One experience is highly preferred • Strong Grammar, Reading and Writing Skills • Must have exceptional Customer Service Skills and hospitality Telephone Etiquette • Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace • Must possess basic computational ability (basic mathematics, word, excel, outlook) • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills • Highly organized and motivated • Work well under pressure
LINE POSITIONS GROUNDS KEEPER BUTLER HOUSEMAN
For the following positions resort experience is an asset but not a requirement. Applicants must have a willing, positive and personable attitude as well as be willing to work flexible schedules, holidays and weekends. They should also enjoy serving people and be willing to learn. Minimum experience in the areas of interest required.
Turks & Caicos Islands citizens only need to apply to the Human Resources Manager at The Sands Resort located on Grace Bay Road, Providenciales or e-mail: humanresource@thesandstc.com, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands. Deadline is October 30, 2012.
38
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Science & Technology
‘Scar free healing’ in mice may give clues to human skin repair, says study MICE with brittle skin, which tears off in order to escape predators, may offer clues to healing wounds without scarring, according to US researchers. Some African spiny mice lost up to 60% of the skin from their backs, says the study published in the journal Nature. Unlike wounds in other mammals, the skin then rapidly healed and regrew hairs rather than forming a scar. Scientists want to figure out how the healing takes place and if it could apply to people. Salamanders, some of which can regrow entire limbs, are famed for their regenerative abilities. It has made them the focus of many
researchers hoping to figure out how to produce the same effect in people. Mammals, however, have very limited ability to regrow lost organs. Normally a scar forms to seal the wound. “This study shows that mammals as a group may in fact have higher regenerative abilities then they are given credit for,” said Dr Ashley Seifert from the University of Florida. As well as rapid skin healing, the mice were also able to heal large circular holes punched in their ears they regenerated hair follicles, sweat glands and cartilage. Tests showed the mice produced a “regeneration hub” known as a blastema in order to repair the injury. It is this
The mouse skin’s tensile strength was 20 times weaker than in other mice.
bundle of stem cells that is also used by the salamander to rebuild missing body parts. Dr Seifert told the BBC: “It is thought that one of the main constraints on regenerating appendages in humans, or mammals for that fact, is the failure to form a blastema.”
He wants to investigate how the structure forms in these mice. Another difference was in the web of proteins that holds cells in place - the extracellular matrix. He said: “These mice appear to deposit extracellular matrix into their wounds at a slower rate than mice, pigs or humans. “Although many scienctists are trying to speed up the healing process, our studies on spiny mice and salamanders show that slowing things down is the path towards regeneration.” However, working out what is happening and then trying to transfer the findings to people is likely to be a long journey.
New ‘Sars-like’ coronavirus identified by UK officials A NEW respiratory illness similar to the Sars virus that spread globally in 2003 and killed hundreds of people has been identified in a man who is being treated in Britain. The 49-year-old man, who was transferred to a London hospital by air ambulance from Qatar, is the second person confirmed with the coronavirus. The first case was a patient in Saudi Arabia who has since died. Officials are still determining what threat the new virus may pose. The World Health Organisation has not recommended any travel restrictions. Prof John Watson, head of the respiratory diseases department at the UK’s Health Protection Agency, said: “In
the light of the severity of the illness that has been identified in the two confirmed cases, immediate steps have been taken to ensure that people who have been in contact with the UK case have not been infected, and there is no evidence to suggest that they have. “Further information about these cases is being developed for healthcare workers in the UK, as well as advice to help maintain increased vigilance for this virus.” He said there was no specific evidence of the virus spreading from person to person and he had no advice for the public or returning travellers. Peter Openshaw, director of the Centre for Respiratory
G-SPOT BAR
WARD’S CONSULTANCY
Is looking for a
Acting on behalf of our clients: Complete Construction, P.J Barber Shop, Stephen Jennings and Platinum Security is looking to fill the following positions:
Contact: 231-2159
7287
To work 6 days per week 4pm-10pm salary $6.00 per hour.
contact: 345-7512
7282
Bartender
3 Labourers 1 Cosmetologist 2 Security Officers 2 Domestic Workers Salary $5-$7
In both cases to date, the infection was acquired in the Middle East.
Infection at Imperial College London, told Reuters that at this stage the novel virus looked unlikely to prove a concern, and may well only have been identified due to sophisticated testing techniques. And Prof John Oxford, a
virology expert at Queen Mary, University of London, said he felt “somewhat relaxed” about the news. “Sars was very quick off the mark infecting hospital staff etc and this new virus does not to me appear to be in the same ‘big bang’ group.”
Earth-Sun distance measurement redefined ONE of the stalwart units of astronomy just got a makeover. The International Astronomical Union, the authority on astronomical constants, has voted unanimously to redefine the astronomical unit, the conventional unit of length based on the distance between the Earth and the sun. “The new definition is much simpler than the old one,” says Sergei Klioner of the Technical University of Dresden in Germany, one of a group of scientists who worked decades toward the change, which took effect last month during an IAU meeting Under the new definition, the astronomical unit (or AU) — the measurement used for the Earth-sun distance — is
The astronomical unit once relied on a mathematical equation to provide its value for the distance from the Earth to the Sun. CREDIT: The SOHO-EIT Consortium
no longer always in flux, depending on the length of a day and other changing factors. It is now a fixed number: 149,597,870,700 metres, which is the equivalent of almost 92.956 million miles.
September 29 - October 5, 2012
Will humans eventually all look like Brazilians? IT REALLY happened: Six generations of inbreeding spanning the years 1800 to 1960 caused an isolated population of humans living in the hills of Kentucky to become blue-skinned. The startlingly blue people, all descendants of a French immigrant named Martin Fugate and still living near his original settlement on the banks of Troublesome Creek when hematologists studied them in the 1960s, turned out to have a rare blood condition called methemoglobinemia. A recessive gene was pairing with itself to change the molecular composition of their blood, making it brown as opposed to red, which tinted their skin blue. The hematologists’ attempt to trace the history of the mutant gene revealed a gnarly Fugate family tree, contorted by many an intermarriage between first cousins, aunts and nephews, and the like over the generations. Dennis Stacy, whose great-great-grandfather on both his mother’s and father’s sides was the same person — Henley Fugate — offered a simple explanation for the rampant interbreeding: In the old days in eastern Kentucky, Stacy said, “There was no roads.” It sounds sordid at worst and lazy at best, but in fact, the Fugates’ tale is a miniature version of the story of human coupling since time immemorial. Local populations interbreed, causing a sharing of genes, a resulting in-group physical resemblance and, eventually, identification as a distinct race or ethnic group. According to Stephen Stearns, a Yale professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, before the invention of the bicycle, the average distance between the birthplaces of spouses in England was 1 mile (1.6 kilometers). During the latter half of the 19th century, bikes upped the distance men went courting to 30 miles (48 km), on average. Scholars have identified similar patterns in other European countries. Widespread use of bicycles stimulated the grading and paving of roads, lending credence to the Fugate clan’s excuse and making way for the introduction of automobiles. Love’s horizons have kept expanding ever since. “The distance between the birthplaces of parents has continued to increase since the invention of the bicycle, making it now easy,
if not standard, for parents to have been born on different continents,” Stearns told Life’s Little Mysteries, a sister site to LiveScience. Stearns says globalization, immigration, cultural diffusion and the ease of modern travel will gradually homogenize the human population, averaging out more and more people’s traits. Because recessive traits depend on two copies of the same gene pairing up in order to get expressed, these traits will express themselves more rarely, and dominant traits will become the norm. In short, blue skin is out. Brown skin is in. Already in the United States, another recessive trait, blue eyes, has grown far less common. A 2002 study by the epidemiologists Mark Grant and Diane Lauderdale found that only 1 in 6 non-Hispanic white Americans has blue eyes, down from more than half of the U.S. white population being blue-eyed just 100 years ago. [One Common Ancestor Behind Blue Eyes] “The only explanation for the observed pattern that was consistent with the data (that we could think of) was that assortative mating had changed,” Lauderdale told Life’s Little Mysteries. Assortative mating is the tendency of people to mate with members of their same ancestral group — a tendency that has seemingly lessened over time. “This was consistent with a birth year-related increase in the proportions of individuals who listed more than one ancestry in the 1980 census.” Lauderdale says blue eyes won’t die out completely; they’ll simply stabilize at a low level that reflects the chance of mating between two individuals possessing recessive blue-eye genes. Other recessive traits will drop to low levels too, according to University of Delaware evolutionary biologist John McDonald. “Because most immigrants to the U.S. are from Asia, Africa or Latin America, any trait that is more common in northern Europeans than in the rest of the world will get less common over the near future in the U.S. due to immigration,” McDonald wrote in an email. “Examples would include red and blond hair, blue eyes, and freckles. Traits that are recessive and are more common in some groups than others will decrease due to blending; blue eyes, sickle cell anemia, and cystic fibrosis are examples of this.”
September 29 - October 5, 2012
Sports International
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
‘About time,’ players, fans say as NFL officials return
Chelsea’s John Terry will be forced to miss four matches and pay a fine of $356,000 after being found guilty by the FA.
Football: Terry found guilty in racism case CHELSEA captain John Terry has been been hit with a four-match ban and a $356,000 fine after being found guilty of racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand. The incident occurred during Chelsea’s English Premier League game against London rivals Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road last October. In July the 31-year-old had been found not guilty of a racially aggravated public order offence at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. But the FA requires a lower burden of proof than an English court and after four-day hearing the Chelsea skipper was found guilty “with using abusive and/or insulting words and/or behavior towards” Ferdinand. The verdict comes just days after Terry announced his retirement from
international football. The Chelsea defender, who won 78 caps for his country, captained England in two separate spells. Terry claimed that the FA had made his position within the national team ‘untenable’. His representatives, Elite Management, said in a statement released on his behalf: “Mr Terry is disappointed that the FA Regulatory Commission has reached a different conclusion to the clear not guilty verdict of a court of law. “He has asked for the detailed written reasons of the decision and will consider them carefully before deciding whether to lodge an appeal.” A statement from his club added: “Chelsea Football Club notes and respects today’s decision by the Football Association regarding John Terry.
Lauda tips Alonso to take title
THREE-TIME Formula One world champion Niki Laudi has tipped Fernando Alonso to clinch a 16th drivers’ title for Ferrari his season. Alonso, a double world champion with McLaren in 2005 and 2006, currently leads the 2012 drivers’ standing by 29 point with just six races of the season to go. Lauda, a winner of 25 grands prix between 1974 and 1985, says Alonso’s approach this season has been close to perfect, grinding out results in a car which was considered substandard at the start of the season. “He is making all the right moves,” Lauda, who won the drivers’ title twice with Ferrari, told the sport’s official website. “He is fast and he is getting the car over the finish line. He is aggressive when needed. He is Mr Right, right now. “I say that he will carry on racing the way he has done so far and then the list of those who count themselves still in the running is dramatically reduced. “He will score the most points. He will be champion if he carries on like he has done up until now.” When asked what Ferrari, the most successful team in F1 history, would be without the 31-year-old
Ferrari’s Spanish driver Fernando Alonso won backto-back world championship title in 2005 and 2006.
Alonso, Lauda responded: “Not as good. It is always the combination of driver and team that makes success.” Rumors have suggested Ferrari may look to replace Alonso’s teammate Felipe Massa for the 2013 season, with Sauber’s Sergio Perez mooted as a potential successor to the Brazilian. But Austrian Lauda reckons it is too early in the Mexican’s career for him to be a suitable fit at Ferrari. “I don’t see it,” added Lauda. “Perez would be a risk. Massa is predictable and Alonso likes him, so I say that such a switch is not going to happen.”
THE NATIONAL Football League’s regular referees were expected to return to the field Thursday night after reaching a tentative labor deal that kicked replacement officials to the curb, ending a major source of frustration and embarrassment for fans, players and the league. “Never thought I would be excited for the refs to come back to work but it’s about time,” Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Cribbs tweeted Thursday. “It was definitely necessary!” The eight-year-deal -- the longest ever for officials, according to the NFL -- gives the union referees a pay raise and keeps their pension program in place for five years. It ends a lockout that began before the league’s preseason, leading to a series of gaffes that climaxed in a furor over a botched call that allowed the Seattle Seahawks to walk away with a victory in Monday night’s nationally televised game. The league acknowledged Tuesday that the Green Bay Packers should have won, but allowed the result of the game to stand. Union members still must ratify the deal, but the league has lifted the lockout to allow crews to handle Thursday night’s game featuring the Cleveland Browns
NFL referee lockout is officially over.
and the Baltimore Ravens, as well as Sunday’s contests. While they have not called a game since last season, the league’s veteran crews will be ready to go, said retired official Mason “Red” Cashion. “These guys have been working every week, really since May, to get ready for the season, through conference calls, through video, through meetings of their own,” Cashion said. “And that’s something that the officials have done simply because they have enough pride in what they do that they wanted to be ready. And they are ready.” The deal will last eight years
and includes details about officials’ pensions and retirement benefits and adds a pay bump from $149,000 a year in 2011 to $173,000 in 2013. The pay will rise to $205,000 by 2019. The agreement will also allow the NFL to hire some officials on a year-round basis and hire additional referees so they can be trained. “This agreement supports long-term reforms that will make officiating better. The teams, players and fans want and deserve both consistency and quality in officiating,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. (CNN)
Brazilian great Ronaldo plumps for Messi ahead of Cristiano as world’s best player FEW PLAYERS, pundits or fans would argue who the best two players in the world currently are. Trying to choose between them is another matter. But not for former Brazil striker Ronaldo. “I give preference to Messi, because he’s a player who fascinates us more, who shows more creativity -- even though he’s from Argentina, which has a big rivalry with Brazil!” the Brazilian great told CNN’s Shasta Darlington. He admires both players he says, but “Messi is a little above Cristiano Ronaldo.” Like Messi, the 35-year-old is a three-time winner of the FIFA’s Ballon d’Or and enjoyed a highly successful club career including spells at Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid -- winning two league titles with the reigning La Liga champions. The 35-year-old who finished his playing days at Corinthians in February 2011 was plagued by knee injuries during an illustrious career which reached its peak at the 2002 World Cup in Japan. Ronaldo inspired Brazil to their fifth victory in the competition, claiming the Golden Boot award with eight goals -- with two coming in the final against Germany.
Like Messi, Brazil’s Ronaldo is a threetime winner of the FIFA’a Ballon d’Or.
“It was an incredible experience. Especially because after 1998 when we lost the final match to France,” said Ronaldo. Hours before that final in 1998 Ronaldo had what his teammates described at the time as a convulsive attack at the team hotel and was rushed to hospital. Nonetheless he played against France -- making little contribution -- as the hosts coasted to a 3-0 win. “Brazilians and players were left with that bitter taste in our mouths,” added Ronaldo.
“Then came the World Cup of 2002 with big expectations and thank God we managed to make it to the final and beat Germany. I scored two goals in the final, it was truly unforgettable.” With all eyes on Brazil as it prepares to host the next FIFA World Cup in 2014, Ronaldo says his country faces challenges on two fronts. “The organisation of a World Cup is the biggest challenge in terms of country-wide organisation. (The World Cup) today is a very complex event to organize,” he says.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
September 29 - October 5, 2012
VACANCIES
Is now recruiting for the following positions; suitably qualified Belongers who possess the requirements listed below are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates should possess luxury resort experience, be out-going and friendly, with a professional demeanor and must be fluent in English, be a team player with a strong work ethic, available for work on public holidays, weekends and evenings. Salaries are based on experience and qualifications.
ROOM ATTENDANT • Suitable candidates must have a minimum of 2 years experience working at a 5 Star Resort in a similar role • Must have a strong attention to details and exceptional ability to maintain the highest standards of quality required • Assist in all Housekeeping responsibilities, cleaning of guest rooms, stocking amenities and linens • Must have the ability to lift at least 50lbs • Perform any other tasks or projects as directed by Housekeeping Manager
TAILOR • Suitable candidates must have a minimum of 2 years experience working at a 5 Star Resort • Must have strong attention to details and exceptional ability to maintain the highest standards of quality required • Perform any other tasks or project as directed by Housekeeping Management
Lasith Malinga stifled New Zealand in the Super Over in a thrilling Super Eights curtain-raiser in Pallekele (Photo AFP)
CARPENTER
SOUS CHEF • A Minimum of 5 years International experience in 5 Star properties with exposure to fine dining and volume operations, and a minimum of 2 years international experience as an Sous chef • Education: College Degree, preferably specializing in Hospitality Management or Culinary Arts • Sales/Profitability/Cost Control • Product Quality & Service Delivery • Sanitation and Housekeeping • Training and Development • Administration • Innovative and creative concept development • Strong leadership capabilities
RESERVATION MANAGER • Minimum 3 years experience as Reservation Manager, and a total of 10 years experience working in a resort reservation department • Must be fluent in at least 3 languages • Experience in rate and yield management and e-marketing • Exceptional telephone sales skills • Full Acknowledge of Visual 1 PMS and Microsoft Office • Must have the ability to work on own initiative • Able to lead a dynamic team and or work well with other key managers and other staff • A strong communicator, motivator and coach
INVENTORY CONTROLLER • Minimum of 3 years experience as Inventory Controller • Ensure that materials shipped and received are verified against pertinent documentation • Establish and maintain procedures for determining and meeting the organization’s receipt and delivery commitments by handling materials and using time effectively • Recommend and assist in implementing operating procedures • Promote continual improvement within the inventory control operation • Follow receiving/shipping methods for materials using the established operations procedures • Resolve emergent issues for expedited deliveries to supporters and others • Confer and correspond with establishment representatives to rectify problems with receipts and with shipments as needed
MIXOLOGIST • A minimum of 4 years as a mixologist in a busy 5 Star operation • Possess a professional upbeat attitude while keeping a crowded bar happy, lively and enthusiastic • Extensive knowledge of different types of beverages and • Ability to create a high level of quality and “value for money” products • Energetic with excellent control and cashier skills • Hospitality or Culinary Arts qualification is desirable • Ability to work under pressure
• Suitable candidates must have a recognized qualification as a finishing carpenter and a minimum of 2 years working experience at a 5 Star Resort • Must have strong attention to details and exceptional ability to maintain the highest standards of quality required • Perform any other tasks or project as directed by Management
COOK - CHEF DE PARTIE – CHEF DE TOURNANT Candidates must possess a minimum of 2 years’ experience, and be hardworking, dependable individuals with a passion for hospitality. A strong work ethic and excellent culinary knowledge are required. A culinary degree or relevant training is vital. Fine dining experience within a five-star resort environment is essential. The ideal candidates will be team players who work exceptionally well in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities may include, but not be limited to: • Assisting in the creation and planning of menus and specials • Preparing, seasoning and cooking salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables and other foods • Participating in the preparation, cooking and baking of menu items • Properly displaying and presenting food as designated by the Executive Chef • Properly receiving, storing and rotating food products in compliance with HACCP standards • Maintaining the cleanliness and organization of all kitchen and food and beverage areas • Monitoring and controlling the maintenance and sanitation of kitchen equipment • Physical ability to lift, carry, move, push or pull heavy items up to 100 lbs. • Working in confined spaces with extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
SPA THERAPIST • Suitable candidates must have a minimum of 3-5 years experience working at a 5 Star Resort in a similar role • Minimum NVQ level 2 or Equivalent Qualification required • To carry out treatments according to the prescribed standards • Responsible for maintaining the day-to-day cleanliness and hygiene of all treatment rooms in accordance with the Health and Safety and hygiene legislation • The ability to handle and control stock within rooms, ensuring products is filled up ready for each day. To store and utilize all chemicals properly and safely • Assisting at Spa reception, taking Spa bookings and upselling treatments along with identifying opportunities to sell products • To be expected to work to the demands of the business, involving the working of unsociable hours
2 PIZZA MAKERS
Closing Date: October 1st, 2012 Suitably qualified candidates should apply in writing or by phone to the following:
Bridgette Thomas - BNC Consulting Group, Ltd Website: www.bnccgroup.com. Email: bthomas@bnccgroup.com phone: 649-332-2565
7251
World T20 cricket: Sri Lanka beat New Zealand in super over SRI LANKA held their nerve to claim a thrilling five-run super-over win against New Zealand in the first Super Eight match of the World Twenty20. With New Zealand needing 14 from their one over to win, Sri Lanka pace bowler Lasith Malinga conceded only eight. Earlier, both sides had been level after 20 overs, New Zealand on 174-7, Sri Lanka making 174-6. The hosts needed one from the final ball, but Lahiru Thirimanne was run out to force the super over decider. Batting first in the eliminator, Sri Lanka opted against opening with Tillakaratne Dilshan, who had previously plundered 76 from 53 balls, and failed to find the boundary. But, crucially, Tim Southee, the New Zealand paceman who had bowled so well at the death to help force the super over, bowled a wide Sri Lanka were also able to run on, before the final, extra ball of the over yielded three for Thisara Perera. Those five runs proved the difference as the Black Caps also failed to find the boundary, their fate effectively sealed when Martin Guptill was caught at long-off from the penultimate delivery. It was a spectacular way to begin the second phase of a tournament that had previously failed to ignite during a group stage blighted by one-sided contests, poor scheduling and bad weather. At various stages in the match, both sides could have justifiably claimed to have the upper hand, with Sri Lanka finally seeming to have taken complete control when Dilshan was at the crease. (BBC)
September 29 - October 5, 2012
Sports National
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
CLASSIFIEDS 41
Action in the practice match.
Cenary scores twice in Hurricanes’ victory
THE second warm-up clash by the Academy players, for the fast approaching Women’s Football League, ended with the AFC Hurricanes defeating their sister club the AFC Strikers 3-2. Sarah Cenary netted twice while Jacinda Alfrena scored the other. Yarileny De La Cruz had given the Strikers a 1-0 lead, while Guerline Hall scored late to create a tense finish. De La Cruz’s goal came after the Strikers had enjoyed a lot of possessions with Kadine Delphin and Jenny Fluerenvil working hard in the wide midfield positions. However, Ruth Francois, Gaya Smith and Vanessa Joseph managed to strengthen the Hurricanes’ defence and they soon got back into the game. Alfrena’s speculative strike drew the game level before Cenary gave her team the lead from the penalty spot. The Hurricanes extended their lead when Cenary raced through on goal and calmly placed the ball in the bottom corner. Rather than capitulate, the young Strikers team fought back and created several chances before Hall’s volley flew
into the goal. The Hurricanes had to defend resolutely for the remainder of the game as the Strikers pushed hard for an equaliser. Hurricanes’ team captain Francois was pleased with her side’s performance. ”Our team is working hard, but we are still missing a few key players, when they come back we will be even stronger”. Although her team lost, Strikers’ captain Delphin was full of praise for her teammates. “We have a young team, but we are improving all the time, we have a great team spirit and we are excited about the season ahead”. Technical Director Matthew Green was equally full of praise for the players. “It’s great to see so many young female players enjoying the game, working hard and playing some attractive football. It is going to be tough for either of the teams to win the league this season as they are so young, but I guarantee that people will be impressed with their quality of play, temperament and commitment.” Over 40 girls are fighting to get into the two teams for the WFL.
The participants did both theory and practical work.
Twenty six benefit from TCIFA’s refereeing course
THE TCIFA conducted a refereeing course last weekend in an effort to recruit more individuals who are prepared to officiate in local leagues and tournaments. Twenty six participants were involved in two days of intense activities aimed at equipping them with the qualities needed to referee at all levels. The course focused on understanding and interpreting the laws of the game, professionalism, and practical methods to improve proficiency on the field. The course included representatives from teams in the Senior Leagues (Provo Premier League, Women’s Football League and the United Soccer League), as well as many players from the TCIFA’s youth academies. As well as several theoretical presentations, the future referees were also given a chance to
demonstrate their skills in a series of practical exercises that focused on refereeing technique and game management. However, it was not all hard work as the referees were given an opportunity to play in a series of small sided games whilst other referees were being assessed. The highlight of the course came on Saturday afternoon when the trainees had to step up and referee a game between the Centre of Excellence Boys teams. All the referees were involved as a referee, an assistant referee or a fourth official. TCIFA’s President Chris Bryan, was pleased with the weekend’s activities. “I was very encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by all the course participants. There was strong representation from our U-17 developments programmes which was particularly pleasing.
The United Soccer League was also represented by officials from Rozo FC and I commend them for taking the initiative to train and educate themselves through TCIFA organised courses. All in all a very successful weekend”. Technical Director Matthew Green echoed these words: “It was pleasing to see so many people interested in becoming referees for our leagues and development programmes. Refereeing football games is not an easy thing to do, but the candidates that attended the course showed a lot of enthusiasm and made a great start to their refereeing careers. I was particularly impressed with our young players who were very active during the discussions and group activities. This bodes well for the future”.
Josh for Sports
Down Memory Lane: My first athletic club THE first time in my life that I created an athletic club was in the early months of 1972 (basically between January and February). The circumstances revolving around the establishment of this club was the fact that I had withdrawn from the Southern Illinois University (SIU) at Carbondale, Illinois, the home of the Salukis—the mascot of the Egyptian hunting dog. As a freshman at age 18 in January, 1970, at SIU, a school of 24,000 students, I established a legacy after six weeks. In short order, I became Illinois’s State Champion (indoors) in the triple jump at 51ft 3 inches. It was a new indoor record. Shortly, thereafter I won the Mid-Western Conference, plus the Central Collegiate Conference
Championships. I was going into the NCAA championships rated at #2 in the US among some 2,000 universities. To cut a long story short in 1972 I was a physical education teacher in the Bahamas at CI Gibson Junior Secondary. At that time I was concentrating on the long jump for Munich Olympics in Germany. VISION OF CREATING AGE GROUP WORLD CHAMPIONS As a result of my two years competing at the Florida Relays I witnessed children breaking world records for their age group 9-13. Thus I became motivated to coach youngsters to compete at these relays with the objective of them becoming world age champions in
By Joshua Gardiner
the 1500M. WORLD TROTTERS TRACK CLUB I created a youth track club called the World Trotters Track Club. We concentrated on distant running,
these children ranged in ages 1014. We ran up to three miles per day after school. My youngest brother Des was 10-years-old attending Queens College. Des idolised me and swallowed up my instructions. Actually Des unofficially broke the world record for his age, running against my ninth graders. He ran a time of 5:29.5 minutes. UNIQUE COACH In fact I had created national champions in the Bahamas from 100M to 10, 000M. Any and everybody that I coached in the Bahamas became a champion: Sammy Williams, Williams “knucklehead” Johnson, Pedro Valdez, Rupert Gardiner, Desmond
Bannister and Anthony Williams among many others. Yes I feel that I am the best coach that ever existed in the Bahamas. LOOKING FOR FUTURE WORLD TCI CHAMPIONS I am now 61-years-old. I don’t have a long time to live, or time is wasting. If you want to become a world champion, give me four years to coach you. I only want kids between the ages 12-16, who are serious. I promise that I will do my best to make you world champions. Please don’t waste my time, contact me 946-4664 at the Weekly News or at joshgardiner1951@yahoo.com. There are no coaches like me in this country, profit while you can.
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Sports National
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Hartling Group’s Jai Cabrera (left) was ultra aggressive in the second round of the Filipino Basketball League.
September 29 - October 5, 2012
Mark Micabalo scored a tournament high 37 points and 19 boards for Allied Management Services.
Filipino Basketball League:
Cabrera scores 30 as defending champs win again – Micabalo leads Allied Management Services to big win SHOOTING guard Jai Cabrera scored 30 points to lead defending champions Hartling Group to a nine-point victory over Digicel in the second round of the Filipino Basketball League at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex last Sunday. Cabrera scored 13 of his points in the third quarter to set up the 7364 point victory. It was a two-man show, since the dominant centre
Richard Shanchez added 21 points and 10 boards for the winners. Don Isaiah Dela Rosa led Digicel with 21 points. In another clash Mark Micabalo scored a tournament high 37 points and 19 rebounds as Allied Management Services recorded a 20-point blowout over HAB 94-74. Reyes added 18 points for the winners. Jojo Salvacion led HAB’s attack
with 17, while Marvin Manalo added 16 and Otero King 14. The strong HAB are yet to record a win since they lost to Hartling in the opening round. Islandcom were also defeated again. In the opener they lost 54-63 to Money Gram. Junel Baybay had 15 points for the winner while his teammate Hernandez added 10 points. Amaro scored 12 points for Islandcom.
LAND FOR SALE In beautiful Bottle Creek, North Caicos
.46 acres overlooking the creek, spanning King Road and Windsor Road
QUICK SALE
CALL 232-3508, AFTER HOURS 332-6398
Claire McAvinchey is the first female rugby club captain in the TCI.
McAvinchey named as first female rugby club captain CLAIRE McAvinchey has been named as the first ladies club captain of the Turks and Caicos Islands Rugby Football Union (TCIRFU) and would sit on the executive for the 2012-13 season. McAvinchey’s position became necessary since the ladies’ programme grew rapidly
over the last six months. Rugby Development Officer Jamie Tait told the new captain that the TCIRFU was behind her “100%”. The skipper added that she would do her best to make sure “us ladies have a voice on the executive committee.”
September 29 - October 5, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
September 29 - October 5, 2012